MESSAGES 



OF THE 



'RESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES 



ON THE 



RELATIONS OF THE UNITED STATES TO SPAIN, 



ANL> ALSO XKA.NSM1XTLNG 



CONSULAR CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE CONDITION 
OF THE RECONCENTRADOS IN CUBA, THE STATE OF 
THE WAR IN THAT ISLAND, AND THE PROS- 
PECTS OP THE PROJECTED AUTONOMY. 



WASHINGTON": 

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 
1898. 



55th Congress, ) HOUSE OF KEPBESENTATIVES. ( Document 
2d Session. ) \ No. 405. 

MESSAGE 



OE THE 



y-5 s- 



PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, 



COMMUNICATED TO THE 



TWO HOUSES OF CONGRESS, 



ON THE 



RELATIONS OF THE UNITED STATES TO SPAIN 



BY REASON OP 



WARFARE IN THE ISLAND OF CUBA. 



April 11, 1898.— Read, referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, 
and ordered to be printed. 



WASHINGTON: 

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 
1898. 



By transfer 

OCT 2 1906 



MESSAGE. 



To the Congress of the United States: 

Obedient to that precept of the Constitution which commands the 
President to give from time to time to the Congress information of the 
state of the Union and to recommend to their consideration such 
measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient, it becomes my 
duty now to address your body with regard to the grave crisis that 
has arisen in the relations of the United States to Spain by reason of 
tbe warfare that for more than three years has raged in the neighbor- 
ing island of Cuba. 

I do so because of the intimate connection of the Cuban question 
with the state of our own Union and the grave relation the course 
which it is now incumbent upon the nation to adopt must needs bear 
to the traditional policy of our Government if it is to accord with the 
precepts laid down by the founders of the Eepublic and religiously 
observed by succeeding Administrations to the present day. 

The present revolution is but the successor of other similar insur- 
rections which have occurred in Cuba against the dominion of Spain, 
extending over a period of nearly half a century, each of which, during 
its progress, has subjected the United States to great effort and expense 
in enforcing its neutrality laws, caused enormous losses to American 
trade and commerce, caused irritation, annoyance, and disturbance 
among our citizens, and, by the exercise of cruel, barbarous, and un- 
civilized practices of warfare, shocked the sensibilities and offended 
the humane sympathies of our people. 

Since the present revolution began, in February, 1895, this country 
has seen the fertile domain at our threshold ravaged by fire and sword 
in the course of a struggle unequaled in the history of the island and 
rarely paralleled as to the numbers of the combatants and the bitterness 
of the contest by any revolution of modern times where a dependent 
people striving to be free have been opposed by the power of the sov- 
ereign state. 

Our people have beheld a once prosperous community reduced to 
comparative want, its lucrative commerce virtually paralyzed, its excep- 
tional productiveness diminished, its fields laid waste, its mills in ruins, 
and its people perishing by tens of thousands from hunger and desti- 
tution. We have found ourselves constrained, in the observance of that 



4 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN CUBA. 

strict neutrality which our laws enjoin, and which the law of nations 
commands, to police our own waters and watch our own seaports in 
prevent lob <>!' any unlawful act in aid of the Cubans. 

Our trade lias suffered : the capital invested by our citizens in Cuba 
has been largely lost, and the temper and forbearance of our people 
have been so soiely tried as to bege! a perilous unrest among our own 
citizens which has inevitably found its expression from time to time in 
the National Legislature, so thai issues wholly external to our own body 
politic engross attention and stand in the way of that close devotion 
to domestic advancement that becomes a self contained commonwealth 
whose primal maxim has been the avoidance of all foreign entangle- 
ments. All this must needs awaken, and has, indeed, aroused the 
utmost concern on the part of this Government, as well during my 
predecessor's term as in my own. 

In April, L896, the evils from which our country suffered through the 
Cuban war became so onerous that my predecessor made an effort to 
bring about a peace through the mediation of this Government in any 
way that might tend to an honorable adjustment of the contest between 
Spain and her revolted colony, on the basis of some effective scheme of 
self-uo\ eminent for Cuba under the flag and sovereignty of Spain. It 
failed through the refusal of the Spanish Government then in power 
to consider any form of mediation or, indeed, any plan of settlement 
whicli did not begin with the actual submission of the insurgents to the 
mother country, and then only on such terms as Spain herself might 
see fit to grant. The war continued unabated. The resistance of the 
insurgents was iu no wise diminished. 

The efforts of Spain were increased, both by the dispatch of fresh 
levies to Cuba and by the addition to the horrors of the strife of a new 
and inhuman phase happily unprecedented in the modern history of 
civilized Christian peoples. The policy of devastation and concentra- 
tion, inaugurated by the Captain-General's bando of October 21, 189G, 
in the Province of Pinar del Rio was thence extended to embrace all of 
the island to which the power of the Spanish arms was able to reach 
by occupation or by military operations. The peasantry, including all 
dwelling in the open agricultural interior, were driven into the garrison 
towns or isolated places held by the troops. 

Ilie raising and movement of provisions of all kinds were interdicted. 
'flie fields were laid waste, dwellings unroofed and fired, mills destroyed, 
and, in short, everything that could desolate the land and render it 
unlit for human habitation or support was commanded by one or the 
other of the contending parties and executed by all the powers at 
their disposal. 

By the time the present administration took otlice a year ago, recon- 
centration — so called — had been made effective over the better part of 
the four central and western provinces, Santa Clara, Matanzas, Havana, 
and Pinar del Kio 



CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN CUBA. 5 

The agricultural populatiou to the estimated number of 300,000 or 
more was herded within the towns and their immediate vicinage, 
deprived of the means of support, rendered destitute of shelter, left 
poorly clad, and exposed to the most unsanitary conditions. As the 
scarcity of food increased with the devastation of the depopulated areas 
of production, destitution and want became misery and starvation. 
Month by month the death rate increased in an alarming ratio. By 
March, 1897, according to conservative estimates from official Spanish 
sources, the mortality among the reconcentrados, from starvation and 
the diseases thereto incident, exceeded 50 per centum of their total 
number. 

No practical relief was accorded to the destitute. The overburdened 
towns, already suffering from the general dearth, could give no aid. 
So-called "zones of cultivation " established within the immediate areas 
of effective military control about the cities and fortified camps proved 
illusory as a remedy for the suffering. The unfortunates, being for the 
most part women and children, with aged and helpless men, enfeebled 
by disease and hunger, could not have tilled the soil without tools, 
seed, or shelter for their own support or for the supply of the cities. 
Eeconcentration, adopted avowedly as a war measure in order to cut 
off* the resources of the insurgents, worked its predestined result. As 
I said in my message of last December, it was not civilized warfare; it 
was extermination. The only peace it could beget was that of the 
wilderness and the grave. 

Meanwhile the military situation in the island had undergone a 
noticeable change. The extraordinary activity that characterized the 
second year of the war, when the insurgents invaded even the 
thitherto unharmed fields of Pinar del Rio and carried havoc and 
destruction up to the walls of the city of Havana itself, had relapsed 
into a dogged struggle in the central and eastern provinces. The 
Spanish arms regained a measure of control in Pinar del Kio and parts 
of Havana, but, under the existing conditions of the rural country, 
without immediate improvement of their productive situation. Even 
thus partially restricted, the revolutionists held their own, and their 
conquest and submission, put forward by Spain as the essential and sole 
basis of peace, seemed as far distant as at the outset. 

In this state of affairs my Administration found itself confronted 
with the grave problem of its duty. My message of last December 
reviewed the situation and narrated the steps taken with a view to 
relieving its acuteness and opening the way to some form of honorable 
settlement. The assassination of the prime minister, Cauovas, led to 
a change of government in Spain. The former administration, pledged 
to subjugation without concession, gave place to that of a more liberal 
party, committed long in advance to a policy of reform involving the 
wider principle of home rule for Cuba and Puerto Rico. 

The overtures of this Government, made through its new envoy, 



b CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN CUBA. 

General Woodford, and looMng to an immediate and effective amelio- 
ration Hi' the condition of the island, although not accepted to the 
extent of admitted mediation in any shape, were met by assurances 
that home rule, in an advanced phase, would be forthwith offered to 
Cuba, without waiting for the war to end, and that more humane 
methods should thenceforth prevail in the conduct of hostilities. Ooin- 
ciden tally with these declarations, the new Government of Spain con- 
tinued mul completed the policy already begun by its predecessor, of 
testifying friendly regard for this nation by releasing American citi- 
zens held under one charge or another connected with the insurrection, 
so that, by the end of November, not a single person entitled in any 
way to our national protection, remained in a Spanish prison. 

While these negotiations were in progress the increasing destitution 
of the unfortunate reconcentrados and the alarming mortality among 
them claimed earnest attention. The success which had attended the 
limited measure of relief extended to the suffering American citizens 
among them by the judicious expenditure through the consular agencies 
of the money appropriated expressly for their succor by the joint reso- 
lution approved May 24, L897, prompted the humane extension of a 
similar scheme of aid to the great body of sufferers. A suggestion to 
this end was acquiesced in by the Spanish authorities. On the 24th of 
December last, I caused to be issued an appeal to the American people, 
inviting contributions in money or in kind for the succor of the starv- 
ing sufferers in Cuha, following this on the 8th of January by a similar 
public announcement of the formation of a central Cuban relief com- 
mittee, with headquarters in New York City, composed of three mem- 
bers representing the American National lied Cross and the religious 
and business elements of the community. 

The efforts of that committee have been untiring and have accom- 
plished much. Arrangements for free transportation to Cuba have 
greatly aided the charitable work. The president of the American Red 
Cross and representatives of other contributory organizations have 
generously visited Cuba and cooperated with the consul-general and 
the local authorities to make effective distribution of the relief col- 
lected through the efforts of the central committee. Nearly $200,000 
in money and supplies has already reached the sufferers and more is 
forthcoming. The supplies are admitted duty free, and transportation 
to the interior has been arranged, so thai the relief, at first necessarily 
confined to Eavana and the larger cities, is now extended through 
most, if not all of the towns where suffering exists. 

Thousands of lives have already been saved. The necessity for a 
change in the condition of the reconcentrados is recognized by the 
Spanish Government. Within a few days past the orders of General 
Weyler have been revoked; the reconcentrados, it is said, are to be 
permitted to return to their homes, and aided to resume the self-sup- 
porting pursuits of peace. Public works have been ordered to give 



CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN CUBA. 7 

them employment, and a sum of $G00,000 has been appropriated for 
their relief. 

The war in Cuba is of such a nature that short of subjugation or exter- 
mination a final military victory for either side seems impracticable. 
The alternative lies in the physical exhaustion of the one or the other 
party, or perhaps of both — a condition which in effect ended the ten 
years' war by the truce of Zanjon. The prospect of such a protraction 
and conclusion of the present strife is a contingency hardly to be con- 
templated with equanimity by the civilized world, and least of all by 
the United States, affected and injured as we are, deeply and intimately, 
by its very existence. 

Realizing this, it appeared to be my duty, in a spirit of true friendli- 
ness, no less to Spain than to the Cubans who have so much to lose by 
the prolongation of the struggle, to seek to bring about an immediate 
termination of the war. To this end I submitted, on the 27th ultimo, 
as a result of much representation and correspondence, through the 
United States minister at Madrid, propositions to the Spanish Govern- 
ment looking to an armistice until October 1 for the negotiation of 
peace with the good offices of the President. 

In addition, I asked the immediate revocation of the order of recon- 
centration, so as to permit the people to return to their farms and the 
needy to be relieved with provisions and supplies from the United 
States, cooperating with the Spanish authorities, so as to afford full 
relief. 

The reply of the Spanish cabinet was received on the night of the 
31st ultimo. It offered, as the means to bring about peace in Cuba, to 
confide the preparation thereof to the Insular Parliament, inasmuch as 
the concurrence of that body would be necessary to reach a final result, 
it being, however, understood that the powers reserved by the consti- 
tution to the Central Government are not lessened or diminished. As 
the Cuban Parliament does not meet until the 1th of May next, the 
Spanish Government would not object, for its part, to accept at once a 
suspension of hostilities if asked for by the insurgents from the general 
in chief, to whom it would pertain, in such case, to determine the dura- 
tion and conditions of the armistice. 

The propositions submitted by General Woodford and the reply of 
the Spanish Government were both in the form of brief memoranda, the 
texts of Avhich are before me, and are substantially in the language 
above given. The function of the Cuban Parliament in the matter of 
"preparing" peace and the manner of its doing so are not expressed in 
the Spanish memorandum; but from General Woodford's explanatory 
reports of preliminary discussions preceding the final conference it is 
understood that the Spanish Government stands ready to give the 
Insular Congress full powers to settle the terms of peace with the insur- 
gents—whether by direct negotiation or indirectly by means of legisla- 
tion does not appear. 



8 < ONDITlON OF AFFAIRS IN CUBA. 

"With this last overture in the direction of immediate peace, and its 
disappointing reception by Spain, the Executive is brought to the end 
of his effort. 

In in \ annual message of December last 1 said: 

Of the untried measures there remain only: Recognition of the insurgents as 
belligerents; recognition of the independence of Cuba; neutral intervention to end 
the "war bj imposing a rational compromise between the contestants, and interven- 
tion in favor of one or the other party. I speak not of forcible annexation, for that 
can not be thought of That, by <>iir code of morality, would be criminal aggression. 

Thereupon 1 reviewed these alternatives, in the light of President 
Grant's measured words, uttered in L875, when after seven years of 
sanguinary, destructive, and cruel hostilities in Cuba he reached the 
conclusion that the recognition of the independence of Cuba was 
impracticable and indefensible; and that the recognition of belliger- 
ence was not warranted by the facts according to the tests of public 
law. I commented especially upon the latter aspect of the question, 
pointing out the inconveniences and positive dangers of a recognition 
of belligerence which, while adding to the already onerous burdens of 
neutrality within our own jurisdiction, could not in any way extend 
our influence or effective offices in the territory of hostilities. 

Nothing has since occurred to change ruy view in this regard; and I 
recognize as fully now as then that the issuance of a proclamation of 
neutrality, by which process the so-called recognition of belligerents is 
published, could, of itself and unattended by other action, accomplish 
nothing toward the one end for which we labor — the instant pacification 
of Cuba and the cessation of the misery that afflicts the island. 

Turning to t ho question of recognizing at this time the independence 
of the present insurgent government in Cuba, we find sate precedents 
in our history from an early day. They are well summed up in Presi- 
dent Jackson's message to Congress, December 21, 183G, on the subject 
of the recognition of the independence of Texas. He said: 

In all tin' contests that have arises out of the revolutions of France, out of the 
disputes relating to the Crowns of Portugal and Spain, out of the separation of the 
American possessions of both from the European Governments, and out of the num- 
erous and constantly occurring struggles for dominion in Spanish America, so wisely 
consistent with our just principles has been the action of our Government, that we 
have, under the most critical circumstances, avoided all censure, and encountered no 
other evil than thai produced by a transient estrangement of good will in those 
against whom we have been by force of evidence compelled to decide. 

It has thus made known to the world that the uniform policy and practice of the 

United States is to avoid all interference in disputes which merely relate to the 

internal government of other nations, and eventually to recognize the authority of 
the prevailing party without reference to our particular interests and views or to 

tin- merits of the original controversy. 

But mi this, as on every other trying occasion, safety is to he found in 
a rigid adhen nee to principle. 

In the contest lirt ween Spain and the revolted colonies we stood aloof, and waited 
not only unt il the ability of the new States to protect themselves was fully estab- 
lished, bul until the danger of their being again subjugated had entirely passed 
away. Then, and not until then, were they recognized. 



CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN CUBA. 9 

Such was our course in regard to Mexico herself. * * * It is true that with 
regard to Texas the civil authority of Mexico has been expelled, its invading army 
defeated, the chief of the Republic himself captured, and all present power to con- 
trol the newly organized government of Texas annihilated within its confines; but, 
on the other hand, there is, in appearance at least, an immense disparity of physical 
force on the side of Texas. The Mexican Republic, under another Executive, is rally- 
ing its forces under a new leader and menacing a fresh invasion to recover its lost 
dominion. 

Upon the issue of this threatened invasion the independence of Texas may be con- 
sidered as suspended ; and were there nothing peculiar in the relative situation of the 
United States and Texas, our acknowledgment of its independence at such a crisis 
could scarcely be regarded as consistent with that prudent reserve with which we 
have hitherto held ourselves bound to treat all similar questions. 

Thereupon Andrew Jackson proceeded to consider the risk that there 
might be imputed to the United States motives of selfish interest in view 
of the former claim on our part to the territory of Texas, and of the 
avowed purpose of the Texans in seeking recognition of independence 
as an incident to the incorporation of Texas in the Union, concluding 
thus: 

Prudence, therefore, seems to dictate that we should still stand aloof and maintain 
our present attitude, if not until Mexico itself, or one of the great foreign powers 
shall recognize the independence of the new government, at least until the lapse of 
time or the course of events shall have proved beyond cavil or dispute the ability of 
the people of that country to maintain their separate sovereignty and to uphold the 
government constituted by them. Neither of the contending parties cau justly 
complain of this course. By pursuing it we are but carrying out the long-estab- 
lished policy of our Government, a policy which has secured to us respect and 
influence abroad and inspired confidence at home. 

These are the words of the resolute and patriotic Jackson. They are 
evidence that the United States, in addition to the test imposed by pub- 
lic law as the condition of the recognition of independence by a neutral 
state (to wit, that the revolted state shall "constitute in fact a body 
politic, having a government in substance as well as in name, possessed 
of the elements of stability," and forming de facto, "if left to itself, a 
state among the nations, reasonably capable of discharging the duties 
of a state"), has imposed for its own governance in dealing with cases 
like these the further condition that recognition of independent state- 
hood is not due to a revolted dependency until the danger of its being 
again subjugated by the parent state has entirely passed away. 

This extreme test was, in fact, applied in the case of Texas. The 
Congress to whom President Jackson referred the question as one 
"probably leading to war," and therefore a proper subject for "a pre- 
vious understanding with that body by whom war can alone be declared 
and by whom all the provisions for sustaining its perils must be fur- 
nished," left the matter of the recognition of Texas to the discretion of 
the Executive, providing merely for the sending of a diplomatic agent 
when the President should be satisfied that the Republic of Texas had 
become " an independent State." It was so recognized by President 
Van Buren, who commissioned a charge d'affaires March 7, 1837, after 



10 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN CUBA. 

Mexico had abandoned an attempt to reconquer the Texan territory, 
and when there was at the time no bona tide contest going on between 
the Lnsurgenl Province and its former Sovereign. 

I said in my message of December last, "It is to be seriously con- 
sidered whether the Uubau insurrection possesses beyond dispute the 
attributes of statehood which alone can demand the recognition of 
belligerency in its favor." The same requirement must certainly be no 
less seriously considered when the graver issue of recognizing inde- 
pendence is in question, for no less positive test can be applied to the 
greater act than to the lesser; while, on the other hand, the influences 
and consequences of the struggle upon the internal policy of the recog- 
nizing State, which form important factors when the recognition of 
belligerency is concerned, are secondary, if not rightly elimiuable, 
factors when the real question is whether the community claiming 
recognition is or is not independent beyond perad venture. 

Nor from the standpoint of expediency do I think it would be wise 
or prudent tor this Government to recognize at the present time the 
independence of the so-called Cuban Republic. Such recognition is 
not necessary in order to enable the United States to intervene and 
pacify the island. To commit this country now to the recognition of 
any particular government in Cuba might subject us to embarrassing 
conditions of international obligation toward the organization so 
recognized. In case of intervention our conduct would be subject to 
the approval or disapproval of such government. We would be 
required to submit to its direction and to assume to it the mere relation 
of a friendly ally. 

When it shall appear hereafter that there is within the island a 
government capable of performing the duties and discharging the 
functions of a separate nation, and having, as a matter of fact, the 
proper forms and attributes of nationality, such government can be 
promptly and readily recognized and the relations and interests of the 
United States with such nation adjusted. 

There remain the alternative forms of intervention to end the war, 
either as an impartial neutral by imposing a rational compromise 
between the contestants, or as the active ally of the one party or the 
Other. 

As to the first, it is not to be forgotten that during the last few 
months the relation of the I'nited States has virtually been one of 
friendly intervention in many ways, each not of itself conclusive, but 
all tending to the exertion of a potential influence toward an ultimate 
pacific result, just and honorable to all interests concerned. The spirit 
of all our acts hitherto has been an earnest, unselfish desire for peace 
and prosperity in Cuba, untarnished by differences between us and 
Spain, and unstained by the blood of American citizens. 

Theforcible intervention of the United States as a neutral to stop 
the war, according to the large dictates of humanity and following 



CONDITION OF AFFAIKS IN CUBA. 11 

many historical precedents where neighboring States have interfered 
to check the hopeless sacrifices of life by internecine conflicts beyond 
their borders, is justifiable on rational grounds. It involves, however, 
hostile constraint upon both the parties to the contest as well to enforce 
a truce as to guide the eventual settlement. 

The grounds for such intervention may be briefly summarized as 
follows: 

First. In the cause of humanity and to put an end to the barbarities, 
bloodshed, starvation, and horrible miseries now existing there, and 
which the parties to the conflict are either unable or unwilling to stop 
or mitigate. It is no answer to say this is all in another country, 
belonging to another nation, and is therefore none of our business. It 
is specially our duty, for it is right at our door. 

Second. We owe it to our citizens in Cuba to afford them that pro- 
tection and indemnity for life and property which no government there 
can or will afford, and to that end to terminate the conditions that 
deprive them of legal protection. 

Third. The right to intervene may be justified by the very serious 
injury to the commerce, trade, and business of our people, and by the 
wanton destruction of property and devastation of the island. 

Fourth, and which is of the utmost importance. The present condi- 
tion of affairs in Cuba is a constant menace to our peace, and entails 
upon this Government an enormous expense. With such a conflict 
waged for years in an island so near us and with which our people 
have such trade and business relations — when the lives and liberty of 
our citizens are in constant danger and their property destroyed and 
themselves ruined — where our trading vessels are liable to seizure and 
are seized at our very door by war ships of a foreign nation, the expe- 
ditions of filibustering that we are powerless to prevent altogether, 
and the irritating questions and entanglements thus arising — all these 
and others that I need not mention, with the resulting strained rela- 
tions, are a constant menace to our peace, and compel us to keep on a 
semiwar footing with a nation with which we are at peace. 

These elements of danger and disorder already pointed out have been 
strikingly illustrated by a tragic event which has deeply and justly 
moved the American people. I have already transmitted to Congress 
the report of the naval court of inquiry on the destruction of the battle 
ship Maine in the harbor of Havana during the night of the 15th of 
February. The destruction of that noble vessel has filled the national 
heart with inexpressible horror. Two hundred and fifty-eigbt brave 
sailors and marines and two officers of our Xavy, reposing in the fancied 
security of a friendly harbor, have been hurled to death, grief and 
want brought to their homes and sorrow to the nation. 

The naval court of inquiry, which, it is needless to say, commands 
the unqualified confidence of the Government, was unanimous in its 
conclusion that the destruction of the 2Iaine was caused by an exte- 



12 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN CUBA. 

rior explosion, that of a submarine mine. It did not assume to plaee 
the responsibility. Thai remains to l>e fixed. 

In any event tlie destruction of the Maine, by whatever exterior 
cause, is a patent and impressive proof of a state of things in Cuba 
that is intolerable. Thai condition is thus shown to be such that the 
Spanish Government fan not assure safety and security to a vessel of 
the American Navy in the harbor of Havana on a mission of peace, and 
rightfully there. 

Further referring in this connection to recent diplomatic correspond- 
ence, a dispatch from our minister to Spain, of the 26th ultimo, con- 
tained the statement that the Spanish minister for foreign affairs 
assured him positively that Spain will do all that the highest honor 
and justice require in the matter of the Maine. The reply above 
referred to of the 31st ultimo also contained an expression of the readi- 
ness of Spain to submit to an arbitration all the differences which can 
arise in this matter, which is subsequently explained by the note of the 
Spanish minister at Washington of the 10th instant, as follows: 

As to tin- question of fact which springs from the diversity of views between the 
reports of the American and Spanish hoards, Spain proposes that the facts be ascer- 
tained by an impartial investigation by experts, w hose decision Spain accepts in 
advance. 

To this 1 have made no reply. 

President Grant, in 1875, after discussing the phases of the contest 
as it then appeared, and its hopeless and apparent indefinite prolonga- 
tion, said: 

In sin] i event, I am of opinion that other nations will be compelled to assume the 
responsibility which devolves upon them, and to seriously consider the only remain- 
ing measures possibh — mediation and intervention. < >\ving, perhaps, to the large 
expanse of water separating the island from the peninsula, the contend- 

ing parties appear to have within themselves no depository of common confidence, 
to suggest wisdom when passion and excitement have their s« ay, and to assume the 
part of peacemaker. 

In this \ iew in the earlier days of the contest the good offices of the United States 
aB a mediator were tendered in good faith, without any selfish purpose, in the inter- 
est of humanity and in sincere friendship for both parties, but were at the time 
declined by Spain, with the declaration, nevertheless, that at a future time they 
would lie indispensable. No intimation has been received that in the opinion of 
Spain that lime has been reached. And yet the strife continues with all its dread 
horrors and all its injuries to the interests of the United states and of other nations. 

Bach party seems quite capable of working great injury and damage to the other, 
as well as to all the relations and interests dependent on the existence of peace in 
the island; but they seem incapable of reaching any adjustment, and both have thus 
far failed of .- 1 1 - ! i i < • \ bag any Buccess \\ hereby one party shall possess and control the 

island to the exclusion of the other. Under these circumstances, the agency of 
others, either by mediation or by intervention, seems to be the only alternative 
which musl sooner or later be invoked for the termination of the strife. 

In the hist annual message of my immediate predecessor during the 
pending struggle, it was said: 

When the inability of Spain to deal successfully with the insurrection has become 
manifest, and it is demonstrated that her sovereignty is extinct in Cuba for all pur- 



' CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN CUBA. 13 

poses of its rightful existence, and when a hopeless struggle for its reestablishment 
has degenerated into a strife which means nothing more than the useless sacrifice of 
human life and the utter destruction of the very suhject-matter of the conflict, a 
situation will he presented in which our obligations to the sovereignty of Spain will 
he superseded by higher obligations, which we can hardly hesitate to recognize and 
discharge. 

In my annual message to Congress, December last, speaking to this 
question, I said : 

The near future will demonstrate whether the indispensable condition of a right- 
eous peace, just alike to the Cubans and to Spain, as well as equitable to all our 
interests so intimately involved in the welfare of Cuba, is likely to he attained. If 
not, the exigency of further and other action by the United States will remain to be 
taken. When that time comes that action will be determined in the lino of indis- 
putable right and duty. It will be faced, without misgiving or hesitancy, in the 
light of the obligation this Government owes to itself, to the people who have con- 
fided to it the protection of their interests and honor, and to humanity. 

Sure of the right, keeping free from all offense ourselves, actuated only by upright 
and patriotic considerations, moved neither by passion nor selfishness, the Govern- 
ment will continue its watchful care over the rights and property of American citi- 
zens and will abate none of its efforts to bring about by peaceful agencies a peace 
which shall be honorable and enduring. If it shall hereafter appear to be a duty 
imposed by our obligations to ourselves, to civilization and humanity to intervene 
with force, it shall be without fault on our part and only because the necessity for 
such action will be so clear as to command the support and approval of the civilized 
world. 

The long trial has proved that the object for which Spain has waged 
the war can not be attained. The fire of insurrection may flame or 
may smolder with varying seasons, but it has not been and it is plain 
that it can not be extinguished by present methods. The only hope 
of relief and repose from a condition which can no longer be endured 
is the enforced pacification of Cuba. In the name of humanity, in the 
name of civilization, in behalf of endangered American interests which 
give us the right and the duty to speak and to act, the war in Cuba 
must stop. 

In view of these facts and of these considerations, I ask the Congress 
to authorize and empower the President to take measures to secure a 
full and final termination of hostilities between the Government of Spain 
and the people of Cuba, and to secure in the island the establishment 
of a stable government, capable of maintaining order and observing its 
international obligations, insuring peace and tranquillity and the secu- 
rity of its citizens as well as our own, and to use the military and naval 
forces of the United States as may be necessary for these purposes. 

And in the interest of humanity and to aid in preserving the lives of 
the starving people of the island I recommend that the distribution of 
food and supplies be continued, and that an appropriation be made out 
of the public Treasury to supplement the charity of our citizens. 

The issue is now with the Congress. It is a solemn responsibility. 
I have exhausted every effort to relieve the intolerable condition of 
affairs which is at our doors. Prepared to execute every obligation 
imposed upon me by the Constitution and the law, I await your action. 



14 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN CUBA. 

Yesterday, and since the preparation of the foregoing message, 
official information was received by me that the latest decree of the 
Queen Regent of Spain directs General Blanco, in order to prepare 
and facilitate peace, to proclaim a suspension of hostilities, the dura- 
tion and details of which have not yet been communicated to me. 

This fact with every other pertinent consideration will, I am sure, 
have your just and careful attention in the solemn deliberations upon 
which you are about to enter. If this measure attains a successful 
result, then our aspirations as a Christian, peace-loving people will be 
realized. If it fails, it will be only another justification for our con- 
templated action. 

William McKinley. 

Executive Mansion, April 11, 1898. 



55th Congress, ) SENATE. t Document 

2d Session. ) \ ^ Q q^q 



CONSULAR CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE CONDITION 
OF THE RECONCENTRADOS IN CUBA, THE STATE OF 
THE WAR IN THAT ISLAND, AND THE PROS- 
PECTS OF THE PROJECTED AUTONOMY. 



MESSAGE 



FROM THE 



PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, 



TRANSMITTING 



IN RESPONSE TO THE RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE, DATED FEBRUARY 14, 
1898, CALLING FOR INFORMATION IN RESPECT TO THE CONDITION OF 
THE RECONCENTRADOS IN CUBA, THE STATE OF THE WAR 
AND THE COUNTRY, AND THE PROSPECTS OF PRO- 
JECTED AUTONOMY IN THAT ISLAND. 



April 11, 1898. — Read, referred to the Committee on Foreign 
Relations, and ordered to be printed. 



WASHINGTON: 

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE, 

1898. 



To the Senate oj the United States: 

I transmit herewith, in response to a resolution of the Senate of the 
14th of February last calling for information and correspondence in 
regard to the condition of the Island of Cuba and to negotiations for 
commercial relations between the United States and that island, a 
report of the Secretary of State, with its accompanying correspondence 
covering the first inquiry of the resolution, together with a report of 
the special commissioner plenipotentiary charged with commercial 
negotiations under the provisions of the tariff act approved July 24, 
1897, in response to the second inquiry. 

William McKinley. 

Executive Mansion, 

Washington, April 11, 1S98. 



The President: 

The Secretary of State has had the honor to receive, by reference 
from the President, a resolution adopted in the Senate of the United 
States on the 14th of February last, reading as follows : 

Resolved, That the President is requested, if in his opinion it is not incompatible 
with the public service, to send to the Senate copies of the reports of the consul- 
general and of the consuls of the United States in Cuba, written or received since 
March fourth, eighteen hundred and ninety-seven, which relate to the state of war 
in that island and the condition of the people there, or that he will send such parts 
of said reports as will inform the Senate as to these facts. 

Second. That the President inform the Senate whether any agent of a government 
in Cuba has been accredited to this Government or the President of the United 
States with authority to negotiate a treaty of reciprocity with the United States, or 
any other diplomatic or commercial agreement with the United States, and whether 
such person has been recognized and received as the representative of such govern- 
ment in Cuba. 

This resolution contemplates answer being made to two separable 
inquiries : First, in relation to the present condition of affairs in Cuba, 
and, secondly, with regard to the action had in view of the overtures of 
the Government of Spain for a reciprocal commercial agreement cover- 
ing, particularly, the trade between the United States and the Island 
of Cuba. 

The conduct of commercial negotiations under the authority and in 
accordance with the conditions found in sections 3, 4, and 5 of the exist- 
ing tariff act approved July 24, 1897, having been intrusted to a spe 



IV \ v - CORRESPONDENCE. 

cial commissioner plenipotentiary duly empowered by the President to 
thai end, n has been deemed convenient to leave to the commissioner 

the preparati f a report in answer to the Becond part of the Senate 

ilntion, the undersigned reserving to himself the response to the 
iir-i pari thereof, which concerns the political and consular functions 
of the Department of State. The separate report of the Hon. John 
\. Kasson, Bpecial commissioner plenipotentiary, is therefore herewith 
independently submitted to the President with a view to its transmis- 
sion to the Senate, should such a course be, in the Presidents' judg- 
ment, not incompatible with the public service. 

The Semite resolution, while in terms calling for the submission to 
that honorable body of all or of a practical selection of the reports of 
the consul-general and consuls of the United States in Cuba written 
or received since March I. 1 897, which relate to the state of war in that 
island ami the condition of the people there, appears to leave it to the 
discretion of the President to direct the scope of the information to be 
BO reported ami the manner of its communication. The undersigned. 
having taken the President's direction on both these points, has the 
honor to las before him a selection of the correspondence received by 
the Departmenl of State from the various consular representatives in 
Onba, aiming t hereby to show the present situation in the island rather 
than to give a historical account of all the reported incidents sinee the 
date assigned by the resolution. 

Respectfully submitted. 

John Sherman. 

Dep \ im mi.m of State, 

Washington, April n, 1898. 



Department of State, Washington, 

Office of Special Commissioner Plenipotentiary. 
The President: 

In response to the following resolution of the Senate, passed under 
date of February I l. L898, and which was referred to the undersigned 
for report, viz : 

Second. Thai t lie President inform the Senate whether any agenl of a government 
in Cuba baa been accredited i<> this Government or the President of the United 
States, with authority to negotiate a treaty of reciprocity with the United States, 
"i im other diplomatic or commercial agreement with the United States; ami 
whethei snob person baa been recognized and received as the representative of Buoh 
l;ip\ i-i omen! in Cu ba. 

I have the bonor to Bubmil the following report : 

In October. 1X!>7, the minister of Spain at this capital verbally 
ad\ ised I he undersigned that, so soon as the new Governmenl in Spain 
had leisure to take up the question, he would probably be authorized 
to cuter into negotiations with the undersigned for reciprocal trade 



CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. V 

arrangements with Spain, and that a representative of Cuba would 
probably be associated for the interests of that island. 

Under date of December 9, 1897, the minister of tbe United States 
at Madrid was instructed to ascertain the disposition of tbe Spanish 
Government in respect to these negotiations. 

Under date of January 24, 1898, a dispatch from Mr. Woodford 
(referred to this office) advised the Secretary of State that arrange- 
ments were made for the negotiation of a commercial treaty between 
Spain and the United States; that separate provisions would be made 
for Cuba; and that the Cuban insular government would appoint a 
delegate to represent that island in the negotiations. This was accom- 
panied by a memorandum from the Spanish minister of colonies, stat- 
ing that the same rules as for Cuba might be applied to Puerto Rico, 
and suggesting a basis for the negotiations. This communication was 
referred to this office on the 4th of February. 

On the 6th of February, the Spanish minister, Mr. Dupuy de Lome, 
called on the undersigned, and announced that he was authorized to 
represent Spain in the pending negotiations, and that a special rep- 
resentative would arrive from Cuba, under appointment of the insular 
government, to act as far as the interests of that island were involved. 
He mentioned the name of Sehor Angulo as the gentleman who had 
been suggested in Cuba for that appointment; but the delegate was 
not officially notified to this office. 

On March 17 a note from the Spanish minister, Seiior Polo de Bar- 
nabe, addressed under date of the 16th instant to the Secretary of State, 
was referred to this office. In that note his excellency advised this 
Government of his appointment by Her Majesty the Queen Regent of 
Spain to conduct these negotiations, assisted by Seiior Manuel Rafael 
Angulo as special delegate of the insular government of Cuba, who 
would be aided by two technical assistants also appointed by the Cuban 
government; and, further, that an officer from the Treasury Depart- 
ment would be added in the same character. 

His excellency announced his readiness to commence the labors of 
the commission so soon as the Government of the United States should 
formulate the general plan for carrying on the work. 

Respectfully submitted, March 17, 1898. 

John A. Kasson, 
Special Commissioner Plenipotentiary. 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



LIST OF DISPATCHES. 
FROM HAVANA. 

No. 704. — November 17, 1897, 2 inclosures. 

No. 709.— November 23, 1897, 1 inclosure. 

No. 710.— November 23, 1897. 

No. 712.— November 27, 1897, 1 inclosure. 

No. 717.— December 3, 1897. 

No. 718.— December 3, 1897. 

No. 723.— December 7, 1897. 

No. 726.— December 13, 1897. 

No. 727.— December 14, 1897. 

No. 732.— December 28, 1897. 

No. 733.— December 28, 1897. 

Telegram — January 5, 1898. 

No. 738.— January 5, 1898. 

No. 742.— January 8, 1898. 

No. 744. — January 13, 1898, 1 inclosure. 

No. 746.— January 13, 1898, 1 inclosure. 

No. 747.— January 15, 1898. 

No. 749.— January 18, 1898. 

No. 754. — January 21, 1898, 1 inclosure. 

No. 756.— January 22, 1898. 

No. 767.— February 4, 1898. 

No. 773.— February 10, 1898. 

Telegram— February 10, 1898. 

No. 775.— February 15, 1898, 1 inclosure. 

No. 785.— Marcb 1, 1898. 

Telegram— March 3, 1898. 

No. 795.— March 14, 1898, 1 inclosure. 

No. 797.— March 17, 1898. 

Telegram— March 24, 1898. 

No. 803.— March 28, 1898. 

No. 809.— April 1, 1898. 

No. 137. — January 10, 1898, from Cienfuegos. 

FROM MATANZAS. 
No. 95.— November 17, 1897. 
No. 97.— December 17, 1897. 
No. 99.— January 18, 1898, 1 inclosure. 
No. 100.— February 8, 1898. 

FROM SANTIAGO DE CUBA. 

No. 405. — November 15, 1897, 1 inclosure. 
No. 407.— November 20, 1897, 1 inclosure. 
No. 409.— November 26, 1897. 
No. 410.— December 5, 1897. 



4 CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 

No. 1 13.— December 14, 1897. 

No. 115.— December 21, 1897. 

No. 418.— January 1, 1898. 

No. 420.— January 8, 1898. 

No. 121.— January 12, 1898, 1 inclosure. 

No. 424.— January 22, 1898. 

No. 127.— January 31, 1898. 

No. 428.— February 1, 1898. 

No. 432.— February 15, 1898. 

No. 434.— February 16, 1898. 

No. 437.— February 26, 1898, 1 iucloaure. 

No. 439.— March 24, 1898. 

PROM SAGUA LA GRANDE. 

No. 261.— November 11, 1897. 

No. 261.— November 20, 1897. 

No. 266.— November 25, 1897; 2 inclosurcs. 

No. 270.— December 13, 1897; 2 iuclosures. 

No. 271.— December 15, 1897. 

December 28, 1897. 
No. 273.— January 8, 1898; 2 iuclosures. 
No. 278.— January 15, 1898. 

January 10, 1898. 
No. 284.— January 27, 1898. 
No. 286.— January 31, 1898. 
No. 288.— February 17,1898. 
No. 294.— March 12, 1898. 
No. 295.— March 14, 1898. 
Tel.— March 24, 1898. 
No. 299.— March 24, 1898. 
No. 297.— March 21, 1898. 
Decrees of November 26 and 27, 1897, relating to autonomy in the Island of Cuba. 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



Mr. Lee to Mr. Day. 

No. 704.] United States Consulate- General, 

Havana, November 17, 1897. 
Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith several copies, with a 
translation, of a decree of the Governor-General respecting the " recon- 
centrados," and the conditions under which they may return to their 
homes; and also a copy and translation of an article from La Lucha of 
the 15th instant, reporting an interview with me. 
I am, etc., 

Fitzhugh Lee, 

Consul- General. 



[Inclosnre No. 1, with dispatch No. 704.] 
GENERAL GOVERNMENT OF THE ISLAND OF CUBA. 

PROCLAMATION. 

Don Ramon y Erenas, Marquis of Pena Plata, governor-general, captain-general, 

and general in chief of the army of this island. 

Decided to afford the protection due hy the Government to the country people 
concentrated in the towns, I have procured, by all means within the reach of the 
authority, to better the condition to which the rural population of this island has 
been reduced, more than by the direct effort of the war measures previously adopted, 
as a natural consequence of a violent and unjust insurrection, which, having imposed 
itself on this country, made itself felt from the first moment as an attempt against 
the national sovereignty and as a work of devastation of the country, but especially 
as the result of extreme passions let loose against the majority of the Cuban popula- 
tion, honest, active, and loyal, contended with the progress of its increasing culture, 
satisfied "with the prosperity attained by its arts, its agriculture, industry, and com- 
merce, proud of its race and nationality, and •which after having undergone "without 
disturbance the transformation from the work of slaves to that of freemen, offered to 
the world, as a special case of history, one of the most beautiful triumphs of liberty, 
united with the cause of order, was resolved to preserve in the noble purpose of 
obtaining through the evolution of ideas and by the peaceful struggles of law the 
consecration of its aspirations within the Spanish sovereignty. 

To that purpose I have directed all the efforts which I have deemed opportune and 
pertinent, from ordering in a decided and conclusive manner that the reconcentrados 
be furnished with a daily ration and that the sick in the hospitals be duly attended, to 
ordering by a recent decree (bando) the reorganization of agricultural and industrial 
labors, as well as its normalization, to the end that without obstacles nor difficulties 
the poor people, specially, should be able to find means of subsistence, mitigation 
for their economic situation, and a possible remedy for their misfortunes. 

The work of absolutely suspending the concentration and of remedying immedi- 
ately the evils derived therefrom not being possible, unless it should be pretended 
that a crowd, composed largely of women and children, be launched into the fields, 
exposed, therefore, to suffer even greater evils than that which they may experience 
by remaining in the towns and which would surely give rise to as serious censures 

5 



b CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 

;i> the concentration measures have caused, it becomes necessary to proceed in this 

matter with the foresight, <i 1 sense, and taet imposed by events and which the 

authority can not ignore. 

In view of these considerations and having resolved to make the causes of this 
e\ il disappear as far as possible, prudently, and for the benefit of all, until obtain 
ing the complete ^-establishment of the normality in the life of the rural population 
I have decided to order as follows: 

First. All reconcentrados possessing farms, as owners, lessees, or in partnership, 
and who possess elements and resources to help themselves, can again establish them- 
selves in same and commence to work, for which they shall count with the protec- 
tion and aid assured to them by the last instructions regarding the reorganization 
of agricultural and industrial labors. To this end, they shall obtain from the 
proper civil or military authority the piece of land where they are to establish them- 
selves, a permit bearing the name of the individuals composing the family, the 
names of the persons accompanying them, number and kind of animals which they 
may keep, agricultural and other implements which they may need, and the kind of 
labor they will undertake; and they shall at the same time prove how they will 
obtain the implements, clothes, and effects which they may need from the moment 
of their establishment. 

Second. Those not comprised in such case, but who attend to the industrial and 
agricultural labors, as artisans and laborers, can do so, provided they reside in the 
farm or plantation where they work, that they pass the night within the fortified 
place of said farm or plantation, and that they always carry with them their proper 
personal documents. 

Third. To this end the sugar estates, cane fields (colonias de cana), tobacco plan- 
tations, coffee plantations, and other farms or plantations of importance properly 
defended shall he considered as centers of labor, and their owners are authorized to 
have in them the necessary employees and laborers — the present reconcentrados as 
well as persons who having invoked pardon have complied with the formalities of 
surrender. Special care should be adopted that the proper hygienic measures are 
carried out which may guarantee the health of the laboring population. 

Fourth. In all cases to which the preceding paragraphs refer to, are the owners, 
essees, or partners of the farms or plantations obliged to build centers of defense 
of the zones of cultivation which they comprehend, and in the exterior circuit of 
which shall be established, in compliance with orders from the general staff of 
flu army, the basis of operations of the columns in charge of fighting the rebels 
and of defending such centers whenever necessary. To this end the owners, lessees, 
and partners of farms or plantations are authorized to carry arms for their defense, 
and the employees and laborers are authorized to carry revolver and machete for 
the defense of the zone which guarantees the elements of life to their persons and 
their families' subsistence — after obtaining due permission from the local authorities 
in accordance with the owners of the farms or plantations. 

Fifth. The families and persons now concentrated who will not be able to enjoy 
the benefits which those comprised in the foregoing cases may obtain, either because 
they have no piece of land, or because they have no resources with which to estab- 
lish themselves in same, or because they are unable to work, shall remain in the 
towns under the direct protection of the boards for the protection of the reconcen- 
trados which shall be constituted with Government funds and with the aid of public 
charity. 

Sixth. These boards shall be immediately organized in the capitals of the provinces 
by the civil governors, by the alcaldes (mayors) in the municipal districts, and by 
the deputies from the city governments | a\ untamientos) in the towns, and they shall 
act under the direction and presidency of the said civil authorities, who for the pur- 
pose o I constituting said boards shall associate themselves as follows: (1) To the 
military commandants, who are already instructed by the general staff of their 
obligation to ration the reconcentrados; (2) to the parish priests, whom the ecclesi- 
astic authority shall inform them of the cooperation they sha!l tender to such 
humane purposes ; (3) to the municipal physicians, to whom pertains the medical 
aid of those who may need it; and (4) to the proprietors, merchants, traders, and 
agriculturists whom the presidents may designate. 

Seventh. The protection afforded by these boards shall extend under the same 
conditions, not only to the reconcentrados, but to persons coming from the rebel 
camp and who have invoked pardon, while they lack means of subsistence. 

I '.lghth. These boards shall report their works every fifteen days to their respective 
presidents or bo their superiors, who in turn shall report to the secretary's office of 
the General Government of the island. 

Ninth. The civil and military authorities in (barge of the execution of these pro- 
visions shall sec that they arc strictly complied with, under their responsibility. 

Havana, 13 November, 1897. 

Ramon Blanco. 



CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 7 

r 

[Inclosure No. 2, with dispatch No. 704.] 

[From La Lucha, of Havana, November 15, 1897.] 

MR. LEE SPEAKS. 

With the arrival of the consul-general of the United States of America in this 
island, Mr. Fitzhugh Lee, and because of the rumors published by the press of his 
country regarding the attitude which the said consular representative would assume, 
as well as because of the report published by some Madrid paper relative to a ban- 
quet given by the New York filibusters to Mr. Lee, everything connected with the 
latter has again obtained a certain importance. 

Yesterday, by the American steamer Seguranca, Mr. Lee arrived from the leave of 
absence granted to him by his Government. 

Desirous of greeting Mr. Lee and of learning the position he would adopt in con- 
nection with the new policy which the Supreme Government intends to pursue in 
this island, we commissioned one of our reporters to interview the distinguished 
consul-general. 

At dinner hour, in the hotel Inglaterra, where he stops, we approached his table 
and met him in company with the esteemed vice-consul, Mr. Joseph A. Springer. 

After exchanging courtesies we inquired, in the first place, for his family. He 
told us that Mrs. and Miss Lee had remained in Virginia, one of his sons in the Mili- 
tary Academy of West Point, and the other one, Fitz, who accompanied him before, 
had a position with a railroad company. 

Regarding the passage from New York to Havana he told us that he had left the 
former port last Wednesday, and that on Thursday the wind blew so hard that the 
Seguranca, notwithstanding her excellent conditions, rolled so much that the general 
fell in his stateroom, causing himself a slight wound on the forehead. 

"What instructions have you received from the President?" 

"I have received no special instructions of any kind," he answered. "My func- 
tions in the future shall be the same as those of the past; namely, to protect the 
property and lives of the American citizens in this island, and to encourage the 
development of the commercial interests of both countries. Nothing further." 

With respect to the banquet which, according to a cablegram from New York, 
published by the Lucha on Saturday, had been given to him in New York by the 
Cuban filibusters, Mr. Lee told us that he had not attended any banquet there', and 
consequently made no speech ; that he only remained in New York two or three days 
before leaving for this city, during which period he attended lunches offered to him 
by personal friends, with no political character whatever. 

He says such a telegram is untrue, and he does not know the reason which may 
have inspired the author of same. 

We inquired from Mr. Lee regarding the effect which the first measures of General 
Blanco have produced in the United States, and he told us that they had been 
received favorably, as would be all tending to make less sensible the horrors of the 
war. "In my country," he added, "peace is desired. The last words I heard from 
President McKinley were: 'My sincere wish is that peace be not disturbed.'" 

"Aside from official circles," we inquired, "how does the American people think 
in regard to autonomy, about to be established in Cuba?" 

"Outside of official circles," he answered, "not much is known about autonomy, 
and the popular classes rarely speak of it. Besides, until the new regime does not 
commence to act it can not be judged, and then they will see how it is received by the 
Cubans." 

We did not wish to occupy any longer the attention of the amiable Mr. Lee, and 
we took leave of him, thanking him for the deferences he has always shown to the 
Lucha. 



Mr. Lee to Mr. Day. 

No. 709.] United States Consulate-General, 

Havana, November 23, 1897. 
Sir: Someone handed me yesterday the inclosed paper, of which I 
accompany a translation, and which purports to be signed by the insur- 
gent chief in command of the Havana province. 
I am, etc., 

Fitzhugh Lee, 

Consul- General. 



8 CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 

[Inclosuro No. 1, with Dispatch Xo. 709.] 
WESTERN MILITARY DEPARTMENT. 

To the inltdbitanta of Cuba : 

Upon the initiation of the winter campaign by G eneral Blanco, aftor the failure of 
the bloodthirsty Weyler, I wish to remind you of our firm resolution to continue 
lijilit ing until the attainment of absolute independence. 

Our principles are well denned. We wish to have a republic where all its inhabi- 
tants shall enjoy equal rights and live in fraternity. We do not hate the Spaniard. 
Onr conduct toward the Spanish wounded and prisoners prove it. Remember "La 
Larga," "JE1 Senado," "Remon de his Yaguas, "Gnaimaro," and 'f Victoria de las 
Tunas" in Oriente and Cainaguey, and "Lomitas" in Las Villas, as well as Vinales 
and "Ojo <le Agua" in I'inar del Rio. Our wounded have, nevertheless, been muti- 
lated, our prisoners shot, and the peaceful inhabitants, even women and children, 
murdered without pity, as if the Spanish representative, sent to Cuba by the unfor- 
tunate Canovas del Castillo, had proposed to exterminate the inhabitants of this 
country. 

Spaniards, we only consider as enemies those who combat against us. 

Cubans, do your duty and the end of the struggle will be abbreviated, and the 
horrors and ruins suffered by our country will terminate. 

Long live the Cuban Republic! 

November 10, 1897. J. M. Rodriguez, 

Major- d eneral, Chief of the W extern Department. 



Mr. Lee to Mr. Day. 

No. 710.] United States Consulate-General, 

Havana, November 23, 1897. 

Sin : I have the honor to briefly submit a statement of what appears 
to be the present condition of affairs in this island. 

First. The insurgents will not accept autonomy. 

Second. A large majority of the Spanish subjects "who have com- 
mercial and business interests and own property here will not accept 
autonomy, but prefer annexation to the United States rather than an 
independent republic or genuine autonomy under the Spanish flag. 

Third. The Spanish authorities are sincere in doing all in their power 
to encourage, protect, and promote the grinding of sugar. The grind- 
ing season commences in December. 

Fourth. The insurgents' leaders have given instructions to prevent 
grinding wherever it can be done, because by diminishing the export 
of sugar the Spanish Government revenues are decreased. It will be 
very difficult for the Spanish authorities to prevent cane burning, 
because one man at night can start a tire which will burn hundreds of 
acres, just as a single individual could ignite a prairie by throwing a 
match into the dry grass. 

Fifth. 1 am confident that General Blanco, and Pando, his chief of 
stall', as well as Dr. Gongosto, the secretary general, with all of whom 
I have had conversations, are perfectly conscientious in their desire to 
relieve the distress of those suffering from the effects of Weyler's recou- 
centration order, but unfortunately they have not the means to carry 
out such benevolent purposes. 

I have lead letters stating that charitable persons in the United 
States will send clothing, food, and some money to these unfortunate 
people, and 1 have arranged with the Ward Line of steamers to provide 
free transportation from New York. I hope to secure the permission of 
the Spanish authorities here for such things to be entered free of duty. 
I am told, however, that they must come consigned to the bishop of 



CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 9 

Havana. The sufferings of the reconcentrado class have been terrible 
beyond description, but in Havana less than in other places on the 
island; yet Dr. Brunner, acting United States sanitary inspector here, 
informed me this morning that the death rate of the reconcentrados in 
this city was about 50 per cent in other places of the island, and when 
it is remembered that there have been several hundred thousands of 
these noncombatants, or pacificos, mainly women and children, who are 
concentrated under General Weyler's order, some idea can be formed 
of the mortality among them. 

In this city matters are assuming better shape. Under charitable 
committees large numbers of them have been gathered together in 
houses, and are now fed and cared for by private subscriptions. I 
visited them yesterday and found their condition comparatively good, 
and there will be a daily improvement among them, though the lives 
of all can not be saved. I witnessed many terrible scenes and saw 
some die while I was present. I am told General Blanco will give 
$100,000 to the relief fund. 

I am, etc., Fitzhugh Lee, 

Consul- General. 



Mr. Lee to Mr. Bay. 

No. 712.] United States Consulate-General, 

Havana, November 27, 1897. 

Sir: One of two gentlemen who visited the reconcentrados after 
they were concentrated in los fosos (the ditches) in this city handed 
me today the inclosed paper. The names of these two gentlemen are 
not signed to it for obvious reasons. 

I personally know the gentleman who brought the communication, 
and know that he stands high in this community as a man of integrity 
and character. 

The number of reconcentrados here, as I had the honor to report 
already, have always been less than elsewhere. I am able to say now 
that they will be taken care of and fed by committees of charitably 
disposed persons. 

The ayuutaminto (city government) of Havana has ordered an addi- 
tional tax of 5 per cent to be levied upon real estate in this city. 1 am 
informed that this sum has already reached the amount of $80,000, and 
that it is to be devoted exclusively to the relief of the reconcentrados. 

The $100,000 reported in a former dispatch as being given by the 
Governor-General, is in Spanish silver, and is to be applied to the recon- 
centrados over the whole island. 

####### 

I am, etc., 

Fitzhugh Lee, 

Consul- General. 



10 CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 

[IneloMiuv v illi dispatch No. 712.] 

Sir: The public rumor of the horrible state in which the reconcen- 
tradoa of the municipal council of Havana were found in the fosos 
having readied us, we resolved to pay a visit there, and we will relate 
to you what we saw with our own eyes: 

Four hundred and sixty women and children thrown on the ground, 
heaped pell-mell as animals, some in a dying condition, others sick and 
others dead, without the slightest cleanliness, nor the least help, not 
even to give water to the thirsty, with neither religious or social help, 
each one dying wherever chance laid them, and for this limited number 
of reeoucentrados the deaths ranged between forty and fifty daily, 
giving relatively ten days of life for each person, with great joy to the 
authorities who seconded fatidically the politics of General VVeyler to 
exterminate the Cuban people, for these unhappy creatures received 
food only after having been for eight days in the Fosos, if during this 
time they could feed themselves with the bad food that the dying 
refused. 

On this first visit we were present at the death of an old man who 
died through thirst. When we arrived he begged us, for God's sake, to 
give him a drink. We looked for it and gave it to him, and fifteen min- 
utes afterwards he breathed his last, not having had even a drink of 
water for three days before. Among the many deaths we witnessed 
there was one scene impossible to forget. There is still alive the only 
living witness, a young girl of 18 years, whom we found seemingly life- 
less on the ground; on her right-hand side was the body of a young 
mother, cold and rigid, but with her young child still alive clinging to 
her dead breast; on her left-hand side was also the corpse of a dead 
woman holding her son in a dead embrace; a little farther on a poor, 
dying woman having in her arms a daughter of fourteen, crazy with 
pain, who after five or six days also died in spite of the care she 
received. 

In one corner a poor woman was dying, surrounded by her children, 
who contemplated her in silence, without a lament or .shedding a tear, 
they themselves being real specters of hunger, emaciated in a horrible 
manner. This poor woman augments the catalogue already large of 
the victims of the reconcentration in the fosos. 

The relation of the pictures of misery and horror which we have 
witnessed would be never ending were we to narrate them all. 

It is difficult and almost impossible to express by writing the general 
aspect of the inmates of the fosos, because it is entirely beyond the 
line of what civilized humanity is accustomed to see; therefore no lan- 
guage can describe it. 

The circumstances which the municipal authorities could reunite 
there are the following: Complete accumulation of bodies dead and 
alive, so that it was impossible to take one step without walking over 
them; the greatest want of cleanliness, want of light, air, and water; 
the food lacking in quality and quantity what was necessary to sustain 
life, thus sooner putting an end to these already broken-down systems; 
complete absence of medical assistance; and what is more terrible than 
all, no consolation whatever, religious or moral. 

If any young girl came in any way nice looking, she was infallibly 
condemned to the most abominable of traffics. 

At the sight of such horrible pictures the two gentlemen who went 
there resolved in spite of the ferocious VVeyler, who was still Captain- 
General of the island, to omit nothing to remedy a deed so dishonorable 



CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 11 

to humanity, and so contrary to all Christianity. They did not fail to 
find persons animated with like sentiments, who, putting aside all fear 
of the present situation, organized a private committee with the exclu- 
sive end of aiding materially and morally the reconeentrados. This 
neither has been nor is at present an easy task. The great number of 
the poor and scarcity of means make us encounter constant conflicts. 
This conflict is more terrible with the official elements and in a special 
manner with the mayor of the city and the civil authorities, who try by 
all means to annihilate this good work. The result of the collections 
are very insignificant if we bear in mind the thousands of people who 
suffer from the reconcentrations ; but it serves for some consolation to see 
that in Havana some 159 children and 84 women are well cared for in 
the asylum erected in Cadiz street, No. 82, and 93 women and children 
are equally well located in a large saloon erected for them in the second 
story of the fosos, with good food and proper medical assistance, as 
also everything indispensable to civilized life. 

According to the information which we have been able to acquire 
since August until the present day, 1,700 persons have entered the 
Fosos proceeding from Jaruco, Campo Florido, Guanabo, and Tapaste, 
in the province of Havana. Of these, only 243 are living now and are 
to be found in Cadiz street — 82 in the saloon already mentioned and Gl 
in the Quinta del Key and the Hospital Mercedes, the whole amounting 
to about 397, and of these a great many will die on account of the great 
sufferings and hunger they have gone through. 

From all this we deduct that the number of deaths among the recon- 
eentrados has amounted to 77 per cent. 



Mr. Lee to Mr. Day. 

No. 717.] United States Consulate-General, 

Havana, December 5, 1897. 
Sir : Referring to my cipher telegram of the 1st instant, which I beg 
to confirm, reading as follows: 

Assistant Secretary of State, etc. : 

Inform the Department that he has learned from the United States consul at 
Matanzas of an extensive and dangerous conspiracy, under the ex-governor of the 
province, directed against Americans, action against them to he contingent upon 
movement of the United States Government in favor of independence to Cuba. 

I have the honor to state that rumors have been more or less fre- 
quent regarding the riotous intentions of some of the dissatisfied ele- 
ments toward citizens of the United States dwelling here and in other 
parts of the island. Any riotous demonstrations here must come from 
the Spanish noncombatants or from the volunteer forces. I do not 
think there is any danger from the former, many of whom seem to be 
in favor of annexation, rather than for real autonomy or for an inde- 
pendent Cuban Republic. And I am inclined to think if General Blanco 
can manage the volunteers as yesterday he said he could, the trouble 
from that source is diminishing. The origin of the mobs in this city 
in the past has always been located in the ranks of the volunteers, who 
alone have organization and arms. 

The Governor and Captain-General is now investigating the Matanzas 
rumors and will, I am sure, deal promptly with any conspirators found 
there. 



12 CURAN CORRESPONDENCE. 

The Weyler police have all been changed and the otlicers of the vol- 
unteers, too, when tin- Government here has reason to doubt their loy- 
ally. 

In consequence of all this, and the assurances of the governmental 
authorities thai American Life and property will, if necessary, be pro- 
tected by them at a moment's notice, I have declined to make an appli- 
cation for the presence of one or more war ships in this harbor, and 
have advised those of our people who have wives and children here not 
to send them away, at least tor the present, because such proceedings 
would not, in my opinion, be justifiable at this time, from the stand- 
point of personal security. 

I still think that two war ships at least should be at Key West, pre- 
pared to move here at short notice, and that more of them should be 
sent to Dry Tortugas, and a coal station be established there. Such 
proceedings would seem to be in line with that prudence and foresight 
necessary to afford safety to the Americans residing on the island, and 
to their properties, both of which, I have every reason to know, are 
objects of the greatest concern to our Government. 
I am, etc., 

FiTznuGn Lee, 

Consul-General. 



^Fr. Lee to Mr. Day. 

No. 718.] United States Consulate-General, 

Ha ran a, December 3, 18! >7. 
Sir: I have the honor to state that a representative of a Madrid 
paper here says that: 

Canalejas lias said, upon his return from the Vuelta Abajo, or Pinar del Rio 
province, after the recent combat there between the Spanish generals Bernal and 
Hernandez <!<■ Valasco, in command of 2,300 men, and two pieces of artillery, and 
Cuban forces under Pedro Diaz, that although the Spanish troops have displayed 
once more their usual valor in the said light, and the enemy must have suffered 
heavy losses, yet the province of Pinar dtd Rio is not pacified, and that there are 
numerous rebel forces still there. That out of about II ,000 Spanish regular troops 
in that province, only about 3,000 or 4,000 are able to operate, the balance being 
sick at the hospitals, garrisoning towns, and otherwise distributed. That lie 
believes autonomy premature, and inclines himself to the adoption of energetic 
military action for the purpose of finally pacifying said province. That he does not 
believe in altering facts and news. That the troth, no matter how painful and 
bitter it may be, must be known in the peninsula, where public opinion and the 
press has been deceived regard.. ig the annihilation of the war and the BO-called 
pacification of the western provinces, among which that of Pinar del Rio has been 
included. 

The Lucha to-day publishes that Canalejas has said "that the 
economic condition of the Pinar del Rio province is deplorable, there 
being 40,000 reconcentrados absolutely destitute, 15,000 of which are 
children, most of whom are orphans: that they are unequally distrib- 
uted throughout the different towns in the province, there being only 
460 at the capital, city of Pinar del Rio, while in small towns like Con- 
solacioa and Oandel aria there are over 4,000. The municipalities can 
not incur any expense, because the taxes can not be collected, because 
most of the taxpayers, if not all, have been ruined by the war." 
I am, etc., 

Pitzhugh Lee, 

Consul- General. 



CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 13 

Mr. Lee to Mr. Day. 

No. 723.] United States Consulate- General, 

Havana, December 7, 1897. 
Sir: 

(The consul-general informs tlie Assistant Secretary of State that 
measures for the relief of the reconcentrados are not sufficiently ener- 
getic to be effective, and that he is advised by the Governor-General 
that authority to admit articles of food and clothing from the United 
States to Cuban ports free of duty rested with the authorities at 
Madrid.) 

1 see no effects of the governmental distribution to the reconcen- 
trados. I am informed that only $12,500, in Spanish silver, had been 
dedicated to the Havana province out of the $100,000 said to have 
been set aside for the purpose of relieving them on the island, and that 
reports from all parts of the province show that 50 per cent have 
already died and that many of those left will die. Most of these are 
women and children. I do not believe the Government here is really 
able to relieve the distress and sufferings of these people. 

####### 

I am informed an order has been issued in some parts of the island 
suspending the distribution of rations to reconcentrados. * * * The 
coudition of these people is simply terrible. 

I inclose herewith an official copy of the comparative mortality in 
Havana for the six months ending November 30. It will be perceived 
that there has been a great increase in the death rate, and without 
adequate means iu the future to prevent it the mortality will increase. 
1 hear of much suffering in the Spanish hospitals for want of food and 
among the Spanish soldiers. * * * I hear, also, that the Spanish 
merchants in some parts of the island are placing their establishments 
in the names of foreigners in order to avoid their provisions being pur- 
chased on credit by the military administration, and that the Spanish 
army is suffering much from sickness and famine, and that a great 
deal of money is needed at once to relieve their condition. In some 
parts of the island, I am told, there is scarcely any food for soldiers or 
citizens, and that even cats are used for food purposes, selling at 30 
cents apiece. 

It is a fair inference therefore to draw from the existing conditions, 
that it is not possible for the Governor-General of this island to relieve 
the present situation with the means at his disposal. * * * 
I aai, etc., 

Fitzhugh Lee, 

Consul- General. 



[Confidential.] 

Mr. Lee to Mr. Day. 

No. 726.] United States Consulate-General, 

Havana, December 13, 1897. (Received December 18.) 
Sir: I have the honor to make the following report: 

* # # # # * # 

The contest for and against autonomy is most unequal. For it, 
there are five or six of the head officers at the palace, and twenty or 
thirty other persons here in the city. 



14 CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 

Againsl it. first, are the insurgents, with or without arms, and the 
Cuban noncombatants; second, the great mass of the Spaniards, bear- 
ing or nonhealing anus — the latter desiring, if there must be a change, 
annexation to the United States. 

[ndeed, there is the greatest apathy concerning autonomy in any 
form. No one asks what it will be. or when, or how it will come. 

I do not see how it could be even put into operation by force, because, 
as long as the insurgents decline to accept it, so long, the Spanish 
authorities say, the war must continue. 

I am obliged to say, too, that * * * the Government of this island 
has not been able to relieve from starvation the Cuban population 
driven from their homes by the ^\ T eyler edict, and no longer attempts 
to do so. 

I am, etc., FlTZHUGHB Lee, 

Consul- General. 



Mr. Lev to Mr. Day. 

No. 727.] United States Consulate-General, 

Havana, December 14, 1897. 

Sir: I have the honor to report that I have received information 
that in the province of Havana reports show that there have been 
101,000 "reconcentrados," and that out of that 52,000 have died. Of 
the said 101,000, 32,000 were children. This excludes the city of 
Havana and seven other towns from which reports have not yet been 
made up. It is thought that the total number of reconcentrados in 
Havana province will amount to 150,000, nearly all women and children, 
and that the death rate among their whole number from starvation 
alone will be over 50 per cent. 

For the above number of reconcentrados 812,500, Spanish silver, was 
set aside out of the 8100,000 appropriated for the purpose of relieving 
all the reconcentrados on the island. Seventy-five thousand of the 
150,000 may be still living, so if every dollar appropriated of the 812,500 
reaches them the distribution will average about 17 cents to a person, 
which, of course, will be rapidly exhausted, and as I can hear of no 
further succor being afforded, it is easy to perceive what little prac- 
tical relief has taken place in the condition of those poor people. 
I am, etc., 

Fitzhugh Lee. 



Mr. Lee to Mr. I>a>/. 

No. 732. | United States Consulate-General, 

Havana, December 88, 1897. 
Sir: I have the honor to report that I have been informed by the 
authorities here that they are now engaged in forming an autonomistic 
cabinet and arranging for the members to take the required oath on 
the 1st January next, and also for an election to take place thirty 
days thereafter. 



CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 15 

My present information is that most of the Spaniards will refrain 
from voting, and nearly all of the Cubans. 

The feeling in Havana, and I hear in other parts of the island, is 
strong against it — the Cubans desiring an independent republic and 
the Spaniards preferring annexation to the United States rather than 
autonomy. On the night of the 24th instant there seems to have been 
a concerted plan over the island to testify the disapprobation of the 
people to the proposed autonomistic plans of the Spanish Government. 

It culminated in this city about 2 o'clock in the morning of the 25th, 
in the principal square of Havana, where a mob assembled with cries 
of " Death to autonomy!" and to General Blanco, and shouting " Yiva 
Weyler!" These men came to the square with stones in their pockets, 
and some of them armed with weapons. 

They made a demonstration, too, against the office of the Diario de 
la Marina, a paper published in this town favoring autonomy, but were 
dispersed by the military police and soldiers. 

# * # # # # # 

I am, etc., 

Fitzhugh Lee. 



Mr. Lee to Mr. Day. 

No. 733.] United States Consulate-General, 

Havana, December 28, 1897. 

Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of the following tele- 
grams : 

Washington, December 24. 
Lee, Consul-General , Havana: 

The following was given to the public, in pursuance of an arrangement this day 
made with the Spanish minister to that eftect: "By direction of the President, the 
public is informed that in deference to the earnest desire of the Government to con- 
tribute by effective action toward the relief of the suffering people in the Island of 
Cuba, arrangements have been perfected, by which charitable contributions in 
money or kind can be sent to the island by the benevolently disposed people of the 
United States. Money, provisions, clothing, medicines, and the like articles of prime 
necessity can be forwarded to General Fitzhugh Lee, the consul-general of the 
United States at Havana, and all articles now dutiable by law so consigned will be 
admitted into Cuba free of duty. 

The consul-general has been instructed to cooperate with the local authorities 
and the charitable boards for the distribution of such relief among the destitute 
and needy people of Cuba. The President is confident that the people of the United 
States, who have on many occasions in the past responded most generously to the 
cry for bread from people stricken by famine or sore calamity, and who have beheld 
no less generous action on the part of foreign communities, when their own country- 
men have suffered from tire and flood, will heed the appeal for aid that comes from 
the destitute at their threshold, and especially at this season of good will and 
rejoicing, give of their abundance to this humane end. — John Sherman." Please 
cooperate with the local authorities to this end. 

Day. 



Washington, December 27. 
Lee, Consul-General, Havana: 

Wire immediately character of supplies most needed for Cuban relief. Will 
money be of more service than food, clothing, etc. ? 

Day. 



16 CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 

I have also the honor to coulinn the following telegram: 

Havana, December 27. 
Assistant Secretary of State, Washington : 

Summer clothing, seeond-band or otherwise, principally for small women and 
children. Medicines for fevers, a large proportion being qninine. Hani bread, corn 
meal, rice, lard, potatoes, beans, pease, salt lish, principally codfish, any canned 
goods, and especially Large quantities of condensed milk, as many persons at first are 
too feeble for other nourishment. .Money will be useful, too, to secure shelter and for 
nurses, attendants, and many other purposes. Think 50 per cent of the rural popu- 
lation have already died from starvation, the greater number being old men, women, 
and children. 

Lee. 
I am, sir, etc., 

Fitzhugh Lee, 

Consul- General. 



[Telegram. 



Havana, January 5, 1898. 
The consul-general informs the Department that the Government of 
Cuba is not giving money in lieu of rations to starving people of the 
island. 



Mr. Lee to Mr. Day. 

No. 738.] United States Consulate-General, 

Havana, January 5, 1*98. 

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of the following cipher 
telegram: 

Washington, December 31. 
Lee, Con8id-General, Havana: n 

Your suggestions are most timely. Arrangements are in progress to organize Red 
Cross receiving and forwarding bureau in New York and later probably receiving 
bureau in Havana, under your direction, with Red Cross agents to do detail work. 

Adee. 
And to confirm the following telegram: 

Havana, January 1. 
Assistant Secretary of State, Washington: 

To list add blankets and Hour. Lee. 



I am, sir, etc., 



FiTziiuG-n Lee, 

Consul- General. 



Mr. Lee to Mr. Day. 

No. 742.] United States Consulate-General, 

Havana, January 8, 1898. 
Sir: I have the honor to state, as a matter of public interest, that 
the "recoucentrado order" of General Weyler, formerly Governor- 
General of this island, transferred about 400,000 self-supporting people, 
principally women and children, into a multitude, to be sustained by 
the contributions of others or die of starvation or of fevers, resulting 
from a low physical condition, and being massed in large bodies, without 
change of clothing and without food. 



CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 17 

Their bouses were burned, their fields and plant beds destroyed, and 
their live stock driven away or killed. 

I estimate that probably 200,000 of the rural population in the prov- 
inces of Pinar del Rio, Havana, Matanzas, and Santa Clara have died 
of starvation or from resultant causes, and the deaths of whole families 
almost simultaneously or within a few days of each other, and of mothers 
praying for their children to be relieved of their horrible sufferings by 
death, are not the least of the many pitiable scenes which were ever 
present. In the provinces of Puerto Principe and Santiago de Cuba, 
where the "reconcentrado order" could not be enforced, the great mass 
of the people are self-sustaining. 

A daily average of 10 cents' worth of food to 200,000 people would be 
an expenditure of $20,000 per day, and of course the most humane 
efforts upon the part of our citizens can not hope to accomplish such a 
gigantic relief, and a great portion of these people will have to be 
abandoned to their fate. 



I am, etc., 



Fitzhtjgh Lee. 



Mr. Lee to Mr. Day. 

No. 744.] United States Consulate-General, 

Havana, January 13, 1898. 
Sir: I have the honor to inclose a translation of an editorial pub- 
lished in the Diario de la Marina of to-day. 

I am, etc., Fitzhugh Lee. 



[Translation.— From the Diario de la Marina, of Havana, January 13, 1898.] 

Perdonalos, Senor. * (Forgive them, for they do not know what they are 

doing). 

They came against the Diario. 

They cried out against it. 

They stoned it. 

And the separatists looked on with joy. 

And the laborantes (ahettors of the rebellion), of all well known, could not restrain 
their rejoicing. 

It was natural ; what a great victory for them ! 

What was not accomplished by Maceo, nor Quintin Banderas, nor Maximo Gomez, 
was accomplished yesterday by an unconscious mob ; carrying disorder, carrying 
riot, carrying anarchy into the heart of Havana. 

And the foreign consuls witnessed the shameful spectacle from the balconies of the 
Hotel Inglaterra! 

What shame! 

Down with the Diario de la Marina! Death to the Diario de la Marina! And 
Maximo Gomez alive ! And Calixto Garcia alive ! And the assassins of the martyr 
Ruiz also alive ! 

Poor Spain ! 

What a difference between yesterday and to-day: Yesterday, your sons, liberals 
and reactionaries, fell in the streets of Madrid, fighting together the common enemy, 
against the oppressors of Europe, against the invincible hosts of the great Napoleon. 
To-day the bravery and the patriotism and the heroism consist in shouting, in out- 
raging, and in knifing, if possible,, defenseless journalists, against whom the action 
of the laws of the State and in the last extreme, the laws of honor, are sufficient in 
any civilized country. 

But what pains us the most is not this ; what our hearts lament at present is not 
H. Doc. 406 2 



18 CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 

the sentiment of the honorable profession outraged; no. It is the Spanish senti- 
ment; it is the patriotism which lioils in our veins with more heat; with a hundred 

times more enthusiasm than in that of those braves, that in a moh, and in an 

anonymous manner, have pretended to offend us, without understanding, unfortu- 
nates, that what they have trampled on, that what they have dragged through the 
mud, has been the majestj of the law, the principle of authority, and the honor of 
the country. 

What will say the representatives of foreign powers who witnessed the shameful 
spectacle of yesterday i What effect will this great Bcanda] cause in the United 
States, where they watch our discords, where tiny await our errors, where they 
count on our folly to take possession of the apple which they have been waiting for 
one hundred years to ripen and thereby fall in their hands .' 

This, this is what pains us; this, this is what shames us; this, this is what frightens 
us, and not the personal danger which we may risk; if with our blood and with the 
sacrifice of our lives we could avoid the consequences that for our beloved country 
we foresee and feel as a fatal result of the sad spectacle which happened in the streets 
of Havana yesterday, the shedding of our blood and the sacrifice of our blood we 
would consider as well employed. 

"This is the greatest victory which up to the present has been gained for the inde- 
pendence of Cuba by Maximo Gomez," was said to us by an invalid chief of the army, 
a veteran in the past insurrection and of the African war, who came to the Diario 
de la Marina as soon as he received notice of the uprising. 

Yes, a victory for Maximo Gomez and a day of rejoicing for the enemies of Spain. 
This is what signifies, before all and above all, the seditious tumult of yesterday. 



Mr. Lee to Mr. Day. 

No. 746.] United States Consulate General, 

Havana, January 7.3, 1898. 

Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith some statistics sent me 
about the mortality in the town of Santa Clara, the capital of Santa 
Clara province, situated about 33 miles south of Sagua, which numbers 
some 14,000 inhabitants. It will be noticed that there were 5,4s9 
deaths in that town in the seven years previous to 1897, which included 
1,417 in one year, from an epidemic of yellow lever, while in 1897, 
owing to the concentration order, there were 0,981 ; the concentration 
order went into effect in February. 

In that year, 1897, the month's death rate for January was 78, but in 
February, the first mouth of reconceutration, there were 114, and there 
has been a gradual increase since, as you will st j e, until in December, 
1897, the number of deaths was 1,011. I refer to this as a specimen of 
the mortality on this island in consequence of the "reconcentrado 
order" of the late Captain and Governor General, Weyler. 



I am, etc. 



Fitzhugh Lee, 

Consul- General. 



[Inclosuro in No. 740.] 

STATISTICS OF DEATH RATE IN SANTA CLARA. 

(A town of 14,000 inhabitants.) 



1890 578 

1891 720 

1892 596 

1893 619 

1894 687 

1895 872 



1896 (epidemic of yellow fever 
among army and Cubans) 1, 417 



5,489 
1897 (no epidemic) 6,981 



(1,492 more than in seven previous years.) 



CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 19 

Concentration order in February, 1S07 — Monthly death rate. 



January 78 

February (concentration) 114 

March 333 

April 524 



August 645 

September 630 

Octo ber 884 

November 1, 037 



May 539 December 1, Oil 

June 531 

July 655 Total 6,981 

Sample month, December, 1S97. 



Civil Hospital 

Military Hospital 

San Lazarus Hospital 
Buried in poor carts . . 

Buried by family 

Prison 



Number of Number of 
deaths. I patients. 



143 I 170 

23 700 

2 10 

228 

553 

2 



Total 95! 



Mr. Lee to Mr. Day. 

No. 747.] United States Consulate-General, 

Havana, January I5 y 1898. 
Sir : I have the honor to confirm the following cipher telegram to you : 

Havana, January 12. 
Spanish officers with a mob at their heels make an attack upon four autonomist 
newspapers. The rioting continued until 1 p. m. 

Havana, January 12. 
Apprehend serious disturbances as consequence of intense prevailing excitement. 
Antiautonomists began trouble, confining their attacks to autonomists. Riotin<* 
ceased, but many rumors. Consulate-general and palace heavily guarded. 

Havana, January 13. 

Reports condition of affairs quiet. City under guard. Mobs yesterday cried, 
Death to autonomy and Blanco, and long live Weyler. The conflict is between 
Spanish factions. Some of the rioters proposed going to United States consulate. 
Ships not needed now, but may be later. 

Havana, January 13. 

Spanish officers and mob attacked three newspaper offices, not four (as reported 
yesterday). Soldiers joined the mob when sent to defend the newspapers, and out- 
side the palace shouted death to Blanco and autonomy. If Americans are in danger 
ships should be ready to move promptly for Havana. Uncertainty and excitement 
widespread. 

Havana, January 14. 
A few casualties. Disorder last night and this morning and crowds shouting death 
to Blanco and autonomy. Fears nothing very grave at present. 

Havana. 

(Noon. All quiet.) 

. , Havana, January 15. 

Quiet prevails. 

I have also the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the following 
cipher telegram, received yesterday from you: 

Washington, January 14. 
Lee, Conml-General, Havana: 

(Instructs him to maintain frequent communication with United States squadron 
in Key West as to state of affairs at Havana. He Bhould also frequently advise the 
Department of the situation.) 

I am, etc., .Fitzhugh Lee. 



20 CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 

Mr. Lee to Mr. Day. 

i • f,liclt-nti:il.] 

No. 7i ( .».j United States Consulate-General. 

Havana, January 18, 1898. | Received January 22.) 

Sir: The recent disorders in this city are to be primarily attributed 
to a group of Spanish officers who were incensed at articles appearing 
in three of the newspapers of Havana, El Reconcentrado, La Discnsiou, 
and I'll Diario de la .Marina. The first was very pronounced against 
General Weyler and his methods, the Discusion had been suppressed 
by Weyler, but its publication was permitted to be resumed by Blanco, 
and the last had been an ultra Spanish organ, but had been converted 
by the present authorities to autonomy. 

It is probable that the Spanish officers were first provoked by the 
denunciations of Weyler in the columns of one of these papers and 
determined to stop it, and afterwards, being supported by the mob, 
turned the demonstration into an antiautonomistic affair. 

I send to-day an analysis of the autonomistic plan. The intense oppo- 
sition to it on the part of the Spaniards arises from the fact that the 
the first appointment of officers to put into form its provisions were 
made generally outside of their party in order to show the Cubans in 
arms that autonomy was instituted for their benefit and protection. 

The intelligent Spaniards » * * see no prosperity in the future, 
but rather other wars and more confusion in the same old attempts to 
make the waters of commerce flow in unnatural channels. The lower 
Spanish classes have nothing in mind when autonomy is mentioned 
except Cuban local rule; hence their opposition. 

******* 

I am, etc., 

Fitzhugh Lee, 

Consul- General. 

V. S. — The paper referred to will go by the next steamer. 



Mr. Lee to Mr. Day. 

No. 754.] United States Consulate-General, 

Havana, January 21, 1898. (Received January 25.) 

Sir: 

******* 

1 have the honor to transmit herewith a document containing " Obser- 
vations regarding the decree which established on the Island of Cuba 
the autonomic regime," and two copies of the Havana Gazette contain- 
ing the decree referred to. 

I am, etc., Fitzhugh Lee, 

Co?isul- General. 



[Incloauro No. I, with dispatch No. 754. Translation.] 

OBSERVATIONS REGARDING THE DECREE WHICH ESTABLISHES ON TIIK ISLAND OF 
CUBA TIIK AUTONOMIC REGIME. 

1. Article 3 grants to the insular chambers, together with the Governor-General, 
the power to legislate regarding colonial a Hairs " in the form and terms designated 



CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 21 

by law." What law? Those decreed by the Cortes at Madrid? It appears so, 
because the provisions of a general character emanating from the said Cortes shall 
receive the name of laws, while the colonial legislative provisions shall be called 
statutes. And if the Cortes of the Kingdom is the one to fix the form and terms of 
the colonial resolutions, it has a powerful arm in its hands and can annul the action 
of the insular chambers. 

2. The insular representation is composed of two bodies, with the same authority — 
the chamher of representatives and the council of administration. Article 4 pro- 
vides that the chamber is formed by popular election; but that concession, which 
at first seems extensive, when examined in its relations with the other powers given 
to the insular representation, is practically deficient. No colonial resolution can be 
in force unless it has been approved by the chamber and the council. The council, as 
we shall see later, from the nature of its composition, will be controlled by the Gov- 
ernment in such a manner that the representatives of the people to the chamber will 
always find themselves in the power of the Government in some way. They will not 
be able to do anything, because if the council does not approve, or should modify 
the decision of the other house — the chamber — the latter's decisions will have no 
effect. The veto granted by article 43 will not be required. 

3. The council of administration is composed of 25 members; 17 are appointed 
directly by the Government; the remaining 18 are elected by popular vote. To be 
elected a member of said council it is necessary to be a Spaniard (.Spanish subject), 
35 years of age, and possessing an income of $4,000 for two years previous to election. 
The formation of the council will be therefore controlled by the Government, because 
the Government will appoint unconditionally the 17 members, and it will be very 
easy for the Government to find one or more votes among those owiug their election 
to the people, the more so as the conditions required to be a councilor are favorable 
to those near the Government. In order to pass any measure the presence of a 
majority of those composing this legislative body is required. It will be very diffi- 
cult to have all the 18 members elected by the people vote as a unit, and the absence 
of one or twD will be sufficient to give the governmental members control of the body, 
or the vote be a tie. 

If the members elected should stand together on any measure objectionable to the 
Government, they could be sent to their homes by the Governor-General, and he can 
instruct or direct the election of others more accommodating. On the other hand, 
the members by governmental appointment can not be removed — their offices or 
positions cease with their lives. The Governor-General can not remove them. And 
to this end they will be carefully selected as faithful instruments of the Government, 
in whose hands the whole autonomistic machine will be placed. It is known that in 
Canada all senators are appointed by the Government; but it should be remembered 
that the Governor-General appoints them, with the advice and consent of its coun- 
selors or ministers, and that these counselors are elected by the parliament, and 
the parliament by the people, the result is, that in Canada the senators are repre- 
sentatives of the people, while here in Cuba the Government can control them. 

4. As if the authority to veto was not sufficient (art. 43) and the power did not 
exist to suspend, close the sessions, and adjourn both bodies, or either of them, by 
the decree of the Governor-General, article 30 grants more authority or power to 
present [prevent ?] or annul the freedom or liberty of the discussions of the colo- 
nial parliament, when, in the opinion of the Governor-General, the national interests 
will be affected by a colonial statute. The bill in question can not even be discussed 
unless previously authorized by the central government, and it is a limitation or 
restriction which has no precedent in any known autonomistic legislation. It is 
improper because the restriction arises before the debates show the character of the 
measure to be discussed. It reveals, besides, a mistrust or want of confidence of the 
mere discussion of the subject. 

A Governor-General may decree that all bills or colonial statutes may be, in his 
opinion, contrary to the national interest, and that nothing should be discussed in 
the local legislative bodies without the previous consent of the Madrid Government. 
All guaranties are for the Madrid power; there are none for the colony, except the 
one named in article 43, which fixes the limit within which the Madrid Government 
has to decide regarding the right of a veto which a colonial statute may have 
received from the Governor-General. 

5. Article 36 grants exclusive power to the Cortes of the Kingdom to determine 
the expenses of sovereignty which the colony has to pay and the necessary receipts 
to cover them, for the Cortes can alter them at pleasure. Therefore the colony has 
no direct vote in a matter of so great importance. It may be said that she is 
allowed to appoint her deputies to the Cortes of the Kingdom, and that through 
them the colony can be heard. Hut the colony's voice will be lost, because their 
number would be insignificant before the remaining deputies of the nation. And it 
may happen that the expenses of sovereignty, put by the Cortes ou the colony, 
absorb all of its receipts, because neither of the two houses (chambers) can delib- 



22 CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 

orate regarding the colonial budget without having first voted to pay the expenses 
of sovereignty , 

6. Article 37 speaks of treaties of commerce which may affect Cuba, ami states 
thai the Madrid I rovei niiieiit shall make them, aided by the delegates of the colonial 
government. And, tun her, that when the treaties are approved oy the Cortes of the 
Kingdom they will be published as general laws, and as snch will bo respected in 
the insular territory , 1>m t it is left doubtful whether they would he laws in Cuba if 
the colonial delegates should reject them. If the Madrid I rovernment is not to rule 
in such a ease it should be so stated. And if it is a law notwithstanding the 
colonial opposition, why is the concurrence of the colony asked? The case referred 
to in article 38 does not decide it, because it only refers to those treaties in the nego- 
tiation of \\ hii'h the insular government has had nothing to do. 

7. Article 40 gives in a very ingenious manner a method of deciding the differ- 
ences arising from privileged articles of commerce, in comparison to similar foreign 
articles, and in reference to the extension of such a privilege, within the maximum 
limit of 35 per cent differential duty. When the two governments makingthe treaty 
do not agree, a committee is formed of the same number of Cuban and peninsular 
deputies. Those deputies appoint their president; if they do not agree, the eldest 
in age presides. And the president has the casting vote. Lot us suppose the Cuban 
deputies to be very patriotic, which is, by the way, supposing a great deal, but as 
they will never be more patriotic than the peninsular delegates, it will result that 
they will not agree, and then the eldest will decide. As there are a large number 
of peninsular deputies and a very small number of insular deputies to select from, 
care will be taken that some aged peninsular deputy bo appointed on said committee, 
and ho would be the one to decide. The matter would have been simplified by stating 
that the eldest peninsular deputy would be the one to make the lists, as such will be 
the result. 

8. Article 40 also refers to the schedules of the merchandise, which will appear in 
the privileged lists. The decree only says that they shall be made by mutual con- 
sent (moaning Cuban and Peninsular deputies). It does not make any reference to 
the case when there is no mutual consent, which makes us suppose that the same 
procedure recommended in the other lists will be observed. The eldest Peninsular 
deputy will therefore make the said schedules. 

9. The Governor-General has the power to suspend the constitutional guarantees, 
apply legislation of public order (ley de orden publico), and adopt any measures he 
may doom fit to maintain peace, etc. This poAver the Governor-General can exercise 
at will, without any limitation, because he is not obliged to hear the opinion of the 
council of secretaries (ministry), and thus the whole political system of the country 
lies with the Governor-General. The latter can- therefore find any pretext for courts 
martial, the application of the code of military justice, and all that series of proclama- 
tions and orders which have caused so much harm, and which rob the citizen of all 
guarantees and protection. 

10. The distribution of the public debt of Cuba remains completely in the hands 
and subject to the decision of the Cortes of the Kingdom, which will try to assign 
to Cuba as much of it as it can, so that .Spain will pay the smallest part. 

Beyond all this, even, the fact remains and makes useless, while it exists, all 
orderly and pacific development of the antonomistio regime, and this fact is the 
existence of the volunteers in arms. The political party in power is unarmed, has 
no force of its own, while the Spanish radical (intransigents) party, which is in the 
opposition, is armed, having on its side the armed volunteers. 1'nder such condi- 
tions there can be no genuine antonomistio government, because the opposition can 
ride over, whenever it pleases, the authority of the local government, and of which 
we had a very recent example, and it can have it repeated whenever the radical 
Spanish (intransigente) party so desire. 



Mr. Lee to Mr. Day. 

No. 756.] United States Consulate General, 

Havana, January 22, 1898. 
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of the following tele- 
grams from you: 

Washington, January 17. 
Instructs consul-general to report concerning rumor that the landing of supplies 
from the Vigilancia for the Cuban sufferers was being obstructed by customs authori- 
ties, and to prevent such delays, if likely to occur. 



CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 23 

And I beg to confirm the following telegrams to you: 

Havana, January 15. 

(All quiet.) 

Havana, January 16. 
AH quiet. 

Havana, January 17. 
(Reports supplies bv Carcho a week since delivered to-day. Regulations and recent 
rioting causes of delay. Apprehends no difficulty as to landing supplies and reports 
arrival to-day of Figilancia.) 

Havana, January 18. 
All tranquil. 

Havana, January 19. 
Reports that November 4 decree admitting cattle into Cuba free until January 10 
is extended to March 10 of present year, with conditions unchanged, and adds that 
quiet prevails. 

Havana, January 21. 

All quiet. 

Havana, January 22. 

(Reports no foreign naval vessels at Havana, but that two such German ships are 
expected to arrive during January.) 

I am, etc., Fitzhugh Lee. 



Mr. Lee to Mr. Day. 

No. 767.] United States Consulate-General, 

Havana, February 4, 1S98. 

Sir: I have the honor to report that I have received $1,743.46 from 
various sections of the country, in addition to the 85,000 first sent, 
making a total of $0,743.46, which Lave been placed to the credit or 
the unofficial fund. Of this amount about $3,000 have been already 
expended in purchasing food, paying railroad freights on provisions 
sent away from the city, and the salary and expenses of an agent to 
attend to the purchase and distribution, who acts with the committee 
appointed by the government of the city. It will be necessary to keep 
sufficient funds on hand to meet the expenses necessarily incurred in 
the work here. 

Most of the money I have received has been in small sums, the 
$1,743.46 being contributed by 37 different persons. Last mail brought 
me $200 from an unknown donor in Baltimore, Md. I do not see any 
diminution in the numbers of the suffering poor on this island, except 
by the daily deaths occurring everywhere from starvation. The present 
population, which has been concentrated at various places under Wey- 
ler's proclamation is still there, not daring to go out to their homes in 
the interior, if said homes were still in existence, so they continue to 
herd together with no employment and with but little means of sub- 
sistence outside of what we are now trying to afford them. The con- 
dition of the reconcentrados is worse in the vicinity of the smaller 
towns, because they can get something by begging in the larger ones, 
and hence the death rate is greater in the small towns. 

The fact that the greater majority of these poor people are principally 
women and children makes the sad story of suffering and death more 
heartrending. 

I am, sir, etc., Fitzhugh Lee, 

Consul- General. 



24 CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 

Mr. Lee to Mr. Day. 

No. 773.] United States Consulate-General,, 

Havana , February 10, 1898. (Received February 15.) 
Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith a statement of the con- 
dition of some of the small towns in the neighborhood of this city. 
These reports are made to me by a person I sent to those places for the 
purpose of ascertaining the numbers and condition of the destitute and 
starving people in and about said towns. His name is not signed to 
the report for obvious reasons. 

I am, etc., Fitzhugh Lee, 

Consul- General. 

[Iuclosurc in No. 773.] 
MELENA DEL SUR. 

The unhealthy conditions of this town anil the total want of resources make it 
completely impossible for the mayor to remedy the present miserable situation oT 
the people, who die in great numbers from starvation, fever, and smallpox, which is 
vastly spreading, owiug to tbe lack of vaccination virus or the necessary funds to 
acquire it with. 

There are other towns in the same conditions, as, for example, Guines, Catalina, 
and Madruga, whose situation could be, in a small degree, relieved if the country 
people wire allowed to leave the town freely in search of food, which is very scarce. 
In some towns this is entirely prohibited; in others they are obliged to pay a tax, 
and, not having anything to eat, how can they pay a tax? In every town yon visit 
tbe fust thing you notice is the unhealthy condition of the men, and their total 
want of physical strength, which prevents them even from making an effort to pro- 
cure tbe means of support. 

CATALINE DE GUINES. 

The condition of the reconcentrados in this town is very sad and desperate. There 
are no ''/.ones for cultivation,'' and they are therefore not allowed even with a mili- 
tary pass to leave the town in search of work or food, which latter is so scarce that 
one must walk 4 or 5 miles before iinding a sweet potato. Among these poor there 
are many who have not even the meanest hut for a dwelling place and who lind 
nobody willing to help them in the least thing. 

In these districts tha liberty given by General Blanco to the reconcentrados is a 
farce. 

GUINES TOWN. 

The land near the town which comprises the "zone for cultivation'' has been rented 
by four Spaniards, who have done this by means of their wealth and influence in the 
present situation. They employ the few reconcentrados who are aide to work, pay- 
ing them 30 or 10 cents a day. Nobody can leave the town in search of work with- 
out a pass from the military commander, which pass is good for a month only and costs 
20 cents. These workmen have to leave the town at (! in the morning, and not being 
able to take the meals with them, are obliged to work until 6 in the evening without 
any nourishment. The same thing happens to all those who go in search of food. 
The women who Leave the town in search of vegetables, even on their own farms, 
which are now completely abandoned, are sometimes deprived of them on their way 
back by the guerrillas. 

In fifteen days 200 reconcentrados have died in Guines from starvation and total 
lack of resources. Many of the sick sleep on the floor and in the piazzas. 

One of the few real protectors of the reconcentrados, in fact a heroic one, is a young 
man named .lose Amohedo, whoso father and mother have died attending to the suf- 
fering poor, and who himself has given up eight houses that belonged to him as 
dwelling places for the reconcentrados, all the contents of a grocery store that he 
possessed, and who is actually as destitute as they are, but always attending to 
those who suffer. 



| Telegram.] 

General l^ee to Mr. 7M»). 

Havana, February 10, 1898. 

Captain-General returned yesterday; met with no success of any sort. 

Spaniards everywhere unfriendly; rumors of coming demonstration 



CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 25 

against him here. I think him excellent man, but in unfortunate posi- 
tion. Three serious combats reported within a week ; in each insurgents 
victorious. 



Mr. Lee to Mr. Day. 

[Confidential.] 

No. 775.] United States Consulate-General, 

Havana, February 15, 1898. 
Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith a letter, with its transla- 
tion, signed by the insurgent commander in chief and addressed to the 
President of the United States. The said letter was delivered by a 
messenger, who at once departed, before I saw or had any communication 
with him. 

I am, etc. 

Fitzhugh Lee, 

Consul- General. 

[Inclosure in IS'o. 775.— Translation.] 

William McKinley, 

President of the United States. 

Sir: The heroic Cuban people possesses, as a characteristic quality of its moral 
being and developed to a high degree, one of the most noble sentiments, namely, 
gratitude; whoever has done well for Cuba wins for himself forever the lively 
recognition of the sons of Cuba's soil. 

Your great people have given to the whole world an example of lofty virtue, and to 
the shame and stain of Spain, not only has it shown compassion before the great 
misfortunes brought on Cuba by the ferocious Spanish policy, but has extended a 
helping hand to the unhappy victims of the warfare carried on by the army of that 
nation. 

The gratitude of this people must be on a par with that great and generous impulse, 
and if Cuba, by its geographical position and the necessity of its commercial exist- 
ence, is called to maintain, once that it is free, and for the mutual benefit of both 
countries, closer relations with your great republic than with any other nation what- 
ever, from this day forward Cuba will consider herself bound by a closer tie in the 
affection it bears for the noble American magnanimity. 

However true and minute may be the reports that you have heard, never will you 
be able to form a just conception of all the bloodshed, the misery, the ruin and the 
sorrow caused to afflicted Cuba, to obtain her independence, and how the despotic 
spirit of Spain, irritated to the last degree before the.most just of all rebellions, has 
revelled in the most implacable destruction of everything, lives and property. The 
nation which at one time accepted the inquisition and invented its tortures lastly 
conceived the concentration scheme, the most horrible of all means, first to mar- 
tyrize and then to annihilate an entire people, and if it has stopped in the path of 
destruction it is due in great measure to the cry of indignation which the knowl- 
edge of such horrors unanimously drew from the States over which you govern. 

The people who are saved from extinction and whose evils your gifts assuage are 
the people for whose liberty we daily shed our blood on the fields of battle; the 
country whose independence we now conquer at tbe point of the sword for them is 
also for us; blood of our blood and fiesh of our flesh, we must rejoice with them 
in their joys as we weep and sympathize with them in their sorrows and grief. 

Be not surprised, then, that as the general in chief of this Cuban army I am so 
deeply moved at the wave of compassion which agitates your noble country, and 
that I accede to the requests of the patriots I command to appear before you, the 
representative of the great nation, as the exponent of our immense gratitude. 

1 have, therefore, sir, to fulfill a conscientious duty by setting forth a fact, which 
I beg you will please transmit to the knowledge of the persons to whom is recom- 
mended the philanthropic mission of succoring the unhappy destitute Cubans, and in 
order that ignorance of certain antecedents may not deprive many needy ones of the 
enjoyment of that noble American charity. 

The revolution, as absolute master of the country, has never prohibited any citi- 
zen, whatever his nationality, from earning his living, and it has happened that as 
Boon as the barbarous concentration decree was derogated innumerable families 
have left and still leave the city for the field, impelled by hunger to wrest from the 



20 CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 

fruitful Cuban vegetation the means of relieving the most pressing Deeds of life. 
Those an happy beings ignore the fact that if 11k- Spaniards, by Bteel and privation, 
bavo shrouded their hearths in monrning, so also it might be said that the flora of 
( u l > .■ i was in mourning, devastated bj the bullet and torch. 

Wherefore, being in the same circumstances, those unfortunates have the same 
moral ri^ht to participate in the relief furnished to needed Cubans byyoui jjenerous 
people. Many n widow, many a mother, mam an orphan dowemeel in our way 
who iisks of us Buccor thai we arc not able to give but most sparingly, and there- 
fore iijion pointing out to them the charity awakened in their behalf in your noble 
nation, I desire to honor myself by offering my services to cooperate in the noble 
work with all the power and means within the reach of the forces I command. 
I am, sir, with the most distinguished consideration, 

M. Gomez. 



Mr. Lee to Mr. Day. 

No. 785.] United States Consulate-General, 

Havana, March J. 1*98. 

Sir: I have the honor to report that the distribution of food, medi- 
cines, and clothing to the destitute on this island is satisfactorily pro- 
ceediug. The work has been well organized and systematized under 
the immediate supervision and direction of Miss Clara Barton, presi- 
dent of the lied Cross Society of the United States, and her active, 
able, and experienced assistants. 

At first the relief was confined to the city of Havana and its sur- 
rounding sections. Now that the proper organizations have been 
formed in the said sections the supplies have been and are being grad- 
ually extended to other portions of the island, while some of the sea- 
ports have received the necessary articles direct from New York. Of 
course, when the number of the poor and destitute is so large it is 
almost impossible to relieve large numbers in each locality, but I am 
able to state with confidence that under the present system of distribu- 
tion the supplies are not lost or wasted, but reach those for whom they 
are intended. 

I am, etc., Fitzhugh Lee, 

Consul- Genera I. 



[Telejrriiin.] 

Mr. Lee to Mr. Day. 



Havana, March .?. 
Have established fine asylum for destitute small orphans regardless 
nationality. Money sent by you will be applied purchase food for said 
orphans. 

Lee. 



Mr. Lee to Mr. Day. 

No. 795.] United States Consulate-General, 

Havana, March n. 1898. 
Sir: I am requested by Consul Barker, of Sagua, to transmit to you 
certain information contained in a letter received from him, and as the 



CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE 27 

best means of doing" so I inclose the latter without date, bnt received 
to-day. 

I am, etc., Fitzhugh Lee, 

Consul- General. 

[Incloaure in No. 795.] 
Mr. Barker to Mr. Lee. 

Dear Sir : I will thank yon to communicate to the Department as quickly as pos- 
sible the fact that the military commander and other officers of the military posi- 
tively refuse to allow the reconcentrados to whom I am issuing food iu its raw state 
to procure fuel with which to cook this food. 

In addition they prohibited this class of people (I am only giving food to about 
one-fifth of the destitute — the authorities have quit altogether) from gathering vege- 
tables cultivated within the protection of the forts, telling them the Americans pro- 
pose to feed you, and to the Americans you must look. 
Yours, very truly, 

Walter B. Barker. Consul. 



Mr. Lee to Mr. Day. 

No. 797.] United States Consulate-General, 

Havana, March 17, 1898. 
Sir: I have the honor to inform the Department that by a decree 
dated March 5, 1898, the Governor-General has prorogued in all its parts 
to the 31st of March, 1899, the decree of the general government of the 
19tb April, 1S97, relative to the suspension of legal proceedings against 
real estate, with the reservation, however, of what may be agreed upon 
in the matter by the insular chambers in due season. 
I am, etc., 

Fitzhugh Lee, 

Consul- General. 



[Telegram.] 

Mr. Lee to Mr. Day. 

Havana, March 24, 1898. 
Work of relief progressing most satisfactory. To-morrow arrange- 
ments made for 22 cars of supplies for Cienfuegos, Cardenas, Sagua, 
Calibarien, and Santa Clara, and other places. Kailroads will carry 
special trains through free of charge. Have been greatly assisted by 
Mr. Klopsch. 

Lee. 



Mr. Lee to Mr. Day. 

No. 803.] United States Consulate-General, 

Havana, March 28, 1898. 
Sir: I have honor to report that instructions have been giveu by the 
civil governor of Havana that the alcaldes and other authorities shall 
not give out any facts about the reconcentrados, and if any of the 
American relief committees should make inquiries concerning them, 
all such inquiries must be referred to him. 
I am, etc., 

Fitzhugh Lee, 

Consul- General. 



28 CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 

Mr. Lee to Mr. Day. 

No. 809.] United States Consulate-General, 

Havana, April L 1898. (Received April 5.) 
Sii; : With reference to the telegram I had the honor to transmit to 
you yesterday to the effect that the Governor-General had issued a 
decree terminating concentration of the conn try people, permitting them 
to return to their homes, and advising their employment on public works, 
I beg to inclose a translation of the articles of the decree referred to. 
I am, etc., 

Fitzhugh Lee, 

Consul- General. 

[Iimlosure No. 1 with Dispatch No. 809.] 

TRANSLATION OF THE ARTICLES OF GENERAL BLANCO'S PROCLAMATION OF THE oUTH 
MARCH, 1808, SUSPENDING THE KKCONCKM KATION. 

ARTICLE 1. From the publication of the present proclamation (hando) in the 
Gazette of Havana the ^concentration of country people throughout the island is 
hereby terminated, and they are authorized to return with their families to their 
homes, and to dedicate themselves to all kind of agricultural labors. 

ART. 2. The boards of relief and all civil and military authorities shall furnish 
them the means, within their power, to enable the rural population to return to 
their former places of residence, or those which they may now select, facilitating 
them the aid which they may respectively dispose. 

Akt. 3. At the instance of the council of secretaries, and through the department 
of public works, the preparation and immediate realization of all public works nec- 
essary and useful to furnish work and food to the country people and their families 
who. through lack of means, truck farms, or want of agricultural implements, may 
not be able to return immediately to the fields, shall be proceeded with, as well as 
the establishment of soup kitchens, which may settle and cheapen such services. 

Akt. 1. The expenses which the compliance with this proclamation (bando) may 
originate, as far as they may exceed the means disposed of by the boards of relief, 
shall be charged to the extraordinary war credit. 

AiiT. 5. All previous instructions issued regarding the reconcentration of the coun- 
try people and all others which may be in opposition to the compliance of this proc- 
lamation are hereby derogated. 

Havana, March SO, 189S. RAMON BLANCO. 



Mr. McQarr to Mr. Day. 
No. 137.] Consulate of the United States, 

Gil ■nj'iii yos, January JO, 1898. 

Sin : All the sugar mills in this consular jurisdiction, 23 in number, 
have been grinding since the first of the month, and at the busy cen- 
trales the various industries incident to the gathering of the crop and 
the manufacture of sugar are in full and steady operation. 

Several of the principal estates are owned by American citizens and 
corporations, and most of their skilled employees are brought from the 
United States. 

The demand for labor on the sugar estates has drawn from the towns 
a great portion of the unemployed laborers and given employment to 
the male " concentrados," many of whom were in a state of enforced 
idleness and destitution. As a consequence, lew of them arc now seen 
here and the labor "congestion" has Ween relieved. 

Small predatory parties of insurgents make frequent attempts to fire 
the cane fields, and it requires constant and active vigilance to prevent 
their destruction. The dry weather and the high winds prevailing at 
this season render it a simple matter for one person ( who can easily 
conceal himself in the tall cane) to start a conflagration that will, unless 
promptly extinguished, destroy hundreds ot acres in a few hours. 



CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 29 

Hence the almost impossibility with the utmost watchfulness and 
using every practicable safeguard to prevent some loss of cane by the 
tires started, often under cover of darkness, by the stealthy incendiaries 
familiar with the locality and always on the alert for an opportunity to 
apply the torch. 

The sugar crop is the support of all classes and especially of the 
laboring class, and should it be in large part destroyed a famine in 
reality would be inevitable. 

' I am, etc., Owen McGare, 

United States Consul. 



Mr. Brice to Mr. Day. 

No. 95.] Consulate of the United States, 

Matanzas, November 17, 1897. 

Sir: I have the honor to submit the following report concerning 
present condition ot affairs in this province and city. 

New civil governor, Francisco de Armas, assumed the duties of his 
office Thursday, 11th instant. As the autonomist * * * governor 
of this province, his reception was cold and informal. Spaniards, as 
well as Cubans, are notin sympathy with proposed autonomy and reforms. 
A memorial to ller Majesty, Queen Regent of Spain, extensively signed 
by leading Spaniards of province, asking that reform bill be not 
signed. This will be cabled in a day or two. 

####### 

Starvation. — No relief as yet afforded the starving thousands in this 
province. Several days ago an order from Captain Giu was given mu- 
nicipal authorities to issue rations and clothing, but no attention is 
paid the order. 

Death rate in this city over 80 persons daily, and nearly all from 
want of food, medicines, and clothing. As I write this a dead negro 
woman lies in the street, within 200 yards of this consulate, starved to 
death; died some time this morning, and will lie there, maybe, for days. 
The misery and destitution in this city and other towns in the interior 
are beyond description. 

A general order has been issued allowing reconcentrados to return 
to the country, but the restrictions placed in order are such as to prac- 
tically prohibit . If they went, what can they do without money, 
food, or shelter? Only those who can obtain employment on sugar 
plantations can live. Insurgents say no one will be allowed to grind 
in province of Matanzas. The situation is indeed deplorable, and I am 
free to say no real help can be expected from Spanish Government, and 
the fate of the remaining reconcentrados is slow, lingering death from 
starvation. 

Insurgents are numerous and quite active the past ten days. In an 
engagement Saturday, 13th, near Mocha, 8 miles from this city, Spanish 
troops were defeated with serious loss and forced to retreat. Several 
sugar plantations report cane burned by insurgents, and the general 
opinion is little or no sugar will be made this season. 
I am, etc., 

A. C. Brice, 
United States Consul. 



30 CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 

Mr. Brief to Mr. Bay. 

No. 97.] Consulate of the United States, 

Matanzas, December 17, 1897. 

Sir: I have the honor to reporl the following Cuban news in this 
province, taken from personal observation and reliable sources of 
information : 

Ooncentrados. — Relief offered these and other poor people by Spanish 
authorities is only in name. I have personally visited (on several occa- 
sions) head masters of distributing stations. Two thousand rations 
were given out, for a few days only, to ,s,()l)(i persons. * * * There 
are more than L2,000 starving people in this city to day. One out of 4 
(or 6) received the following ration: 2 ounces rice, H ounces tassajo 
(jerked beef), and sometimes a small piece of bread, per diem. Imagine 
Starving people being relieved by such rations! Even this ration of 
food has been discontinued since 11th inst. Death rate has diminished 
somewhat; now about 63 daily. There are less people to die. 

The scenes of misery and distress daily observed are beyond belief 
Here is one out of hundreds. In a family of seventeen living in an old 
limekiln, upper part of city limits, all were found dead except three, 
and they barely alive. * * * A few of the strongest of these peo- 
ple have been sent out to sugar plantations, which expect to grind. 
They get 30 cents per day and board themselves. General Blanco's 
order, allowing reconcentrados, owners of plantations and farms, to 
return and cultivate crops, etc., is inoperative and of no avail. Several 
of <»ur American citizens, owners of land, have repeatedly asked the 
ei\ il governor of this province for permission to return to their homes, 
and in every case refused or restrictions imposed making it impossible 
to comply Avith. 

******* 

A few plantations are grinding cane. In every case they are heavily 
guarded by Spanish troops, and have paid insurgents for so doing. 
Was shown a letter from insurgent chief to owner of a large plantation, 

in which price demanded for grinding was 2,000 centones ($10,600 
United States gold). It was paid. To make crop of sugar this season 
money, oxen, and laborers must be had. 

I am, etc., A. C. Brice, 

United States Consul. 



Mr. Brice to Mr. Bay. 

No. 99.] Consulate of the United States, 

Matanzas, January 18, 1898. 
Sir: I have the honor to report the following concerning destitute 
American citizens, Matanzas province: 

« * * * * * * 

Up to Sunday. January 9, 1898, weekly rations of food have been 
regularly issued, also medicines for sick, and. although there has been 
more or less hardships and suffering for want of clothing, shelter, etc. 
(which we were not allowed to supply), none of our people have suf- 
fered for food or medicine. 

• •••#•• 



CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 31 

In behalf of these people, I earnestly ask the Department that some 
prompt measures be taken to further relieve them. They are abso- 
lutely helpless — no work, shut up in cities and towns like rats in a trap 
to starve. We have fifteen or eighteen families (American reconcen- 
trados) who own property in the country, and were they allowed to go 
to their homes, could make a good living. All these have begged and 
pleaded with authorities (under Blanco's order) to go, and in every case 
refused. 

Since the 24th of May, 1897, to December 20, 1897, seven months, we 
have given food and medicines and relief to an average of 305 persons, 
American citizens, at a cost of $8,175.48 Spanish gold. This amount 
received from Havana on account of Cuban relief fund to date. We 
require a little over $800 (bills not rendered) to settle last two weeks' 
ration bills and three weeks' medicine. 

I am, etc., A. C. Brice, 

United States Consul. 

[Inclosure in Xo 99.] 
CUBAN DESTITUTION. 

Circular letter dated January 8, 1898, from Department of State, received yes- 
terday. 

This intimates that help is to be extended by the United States to the starving 
people in Cuba. The news of this relief bas been known for the past two weeks 
and has extended all over the province. This consulate bas been overwhelmed with 
people of all classes asking to be remembered when this relief comes. 

I submit a few facts illustrating the suffering in this province alone. There are 
in Matanzas Province over 90,000 people who are in actual starving condition and 
require food, clothing, and medicines. 

In addition to above, there are thousands of families (of the better classes, formerly 
well to do) who to-day are living on one meal a day, and that very scant. They 
have sold or pawned furniture, jewelry, clothing, etc., to eke out an existence until 
all is gone, or nearly so. Too proud to beg, they sutler iu silence, and many die of 
starvation. The daughter of a former governor of this province was seen begging on 
the streets (incognito) of this city. Many cf these people call on me privately at 
my residence asking and praying for God's sake to be remembered when this relief 
comes from the United States. One has to be here, know and mingle with these 
people, to fully realize the terrible destitution and misery existing iu Cuba. It is to 
be hoped that this reliel from the United States will come quickly, for hundreds are 
dying daily in this province of starvation. Conditions are dreadful, and no relief 
afforded by Spanish authorities. 

I would advise that food and supplies for this province be sent direct to Matan- 
zas, thus avoiding the railroad freight, drayage, etc. Supplies can be landed direct 
to warehouses (by lighters), which have been offered free of charge. The figures 
and facts I have stated indicate the large quantities of food and supplies required 
to give even temporary relief; also some cash will be required to handle and dis- 
tribute supplies. 

I am, etc., A. C. Brice, 

United States Consul. 

Matanzas, Cuba, January IS, 1898. 



Mr. Brice to Mr. Day. 

No. 100.] Consulate of the United States, 

Matanzas, February 8, 1898. 

Sir: I have the honor to inform the Department that TJ. S. cruiser 
Montgomery arrived in this port February 3, 1898, 10.34 a. m., leaving 
for Santiago de Cuba on February 5 at 6 p. m. 

The usual courtesies were extended this consulate; also friendly visits 



32 CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 

from civil and military governors and other officials of province and 
city. Return visits made the following day, and their reception by 
commander and officers oi) board was a royal one and greatly appre- 
ciated. 

The arrival of cruiser Montgomery, although a surprise, was bailed 
with delight by all classes, and sure to be productive of good results. 

The striking feature was: Poor people thought vessel was bringing 
them food From the United States; their disappointment was great. 
1 am, etc., 

A. 0. Brice, 
I ' ni ted States Consul. 



Mr. Hyatt to Mr. Day. 

No. 405.] Consulate of the United States, 

Santiago de Cuba, November 15,1897. 

Slit: Since my return to Cuba I have availed myself of every oppor- 
tunity possible to learn what, if any, changes have taken place during 
my absence. 

At fust 1 was disposed to believe that the insurgents were weakening 
and that the autonomists were cominglto the front. Time and further 
i a vestigatiou, however, has failed to confirm that view of the case. 
» # # 

The change of policy, as expressed by Captain-General Blanco, is 
doubtless modifying the feeling of resentment which formerly prevailed 
and, should the near future prove discouraging to the insurgents, 
would doubtless smooth the way to pacification. * * * 

The promised revocation of the order of reconcentration is yet unful- 
filled am! beggars are very numerous. " Me estoy nmriendo de hambre" 
(I am starving) is their most frequent salutation. Generally their 

appearance confirms their words. 

******* 

What ought the United States Government do, is a question much 
discussed, and the answer is usually what the person desires, and 
sentiment, not reason, makes reply. Among property holders, whether 
Americans or citizens of other nationalities, there is but one sentiment. 
" Hands off," or such active intervention as will quickly terminate the 
struggle. They greatly deprecate constant agitation, which makes the 
governing classes enemies to American interests and brings no cor- 
responding advantages. For your information I inclose a military 
order and a translation of the same, issued by the insurgent general, 
Calixto Garcea. General Garcea's command extends over more than 
half of the island, including the provinces of Porto Principe and 
Santiago, the portions supposed to be in most active rebellion. 

Another order is issued by the same authority permitting owners of 
coffee estates to gather as much as they may need for family use, but 
none for market. 

The present insurgent capital is at San Augustin Aguarris, between 
Holgiun and Tunio, lo"> miles from Santiago. 

The local papers, which publish only what has been submitted to 
censorial examination, admit several engagements of late on those 
parts of the island heretofore reported as pacified. 

******* 

I am, etc., 

Pulaski F. Hyatt, 

United States Consul. 



CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 33 

[Inclosure in No. 405.] 

Military Department of the East, 

General Headquarters, 
Baire, November 6, 1S97. (Third of Independence.) 
To the commanding generals of the first, second, and third army corps of eastern 
Cuba : 

Duly informed through the press that the Spanish Government is offering autonomy 
with the intention by these means to subdue the revolution, or at least to bring about 
disturbances in our ranks and weaken our cause, this general headquarters reminds 
you that the spirit and letter of our constitution does not admit with Spain any 
treaty whatever that is not based upon the absolute independence of Cuba. In 
accordance with this I will be inexorable, submitting to a nummary trial, and will 
consider as traitors all civil or military officers of whatever rank receives messages, 
commissions, or has any intercourse with the enemy, as the supreme government of 
the republic is the only one authorized, and listen to any overtures that may be 
made, and even the government will only listen to proposals acknowledging the 
absolute independence of Cuba by the Spanish Government. All persons who come 
within our liues commissioned by the enemy with proposals to submit to Spain will 
be tried and punished as spies. 

In order to avoid any ignorance being professed on the subject, you will circulate 
this communication among your subordinates, posting this order during eight 
days at your headquarters and have it read in the presence of the troops. 
Country and liberty. 

Calixto Garcia, 
Commander in Chief of the Department of the East. 

Baire is a small village lying about 54 miles from the city of Santiago. 



Mr. Hyatt to Mr. Day. 

No. 407.] Consulate of the United States, 

Santiago de Cuba, November 20, 1897. 

Sir: For the benefit of the Department of State I send the inclosed 
list of civil officers of the insurgent government of Cuba, elected and 
installed at Yaya, in the province of Porto Principe October 20. 

There is rumor of renewed activity on the part of the rebels of east- 
ern Cuba, commanded by Gen. Calixto Gracea, and the shipment of all 
available Spanish soldiers to Manzanillo corroborates the report. 

The Spanish residents of the island are becoming very outspoken in 
favor of closing the war and annexation to the United States. There 
are numerous inquiries among them of how they can become citizens of 
our Government. There are also quite a number of Spanish soldiers 
making the same inquiry. The business Spaniards here declare that 
they are tired of doing business at a loss, and that peace and prosperity 
can only come by annexation. Many are greatly disappointed that the 
United States consul can not make American citizens of them at once. 
With highest, etc., 

Pulaski F. Hyatt, 

United States Consul. 



[Inclosure with No. 407.] 

List of insurgent officials elected and installed at Yaya Porte Principe, Cuba, 
October 20, 1897 : 
President, Bartolo Maso. 
Vice-president, Domingo Mendez, Capote. 
Secretary of war, Jose B. Alerman. 
Secretary of the treasury, Earnisto Font Stearling. 
Secretary of foreign affairs, Andres Moreno de la Torre. 
Secretary of the interior, Manuel R. Silva. 
General-in-chief, Maximo Gomez. 
Lieutenant-general, Calixto Gracea. 

H. Doc. 406 3 



34 CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 

Mr. Hyatt to Mr. Day. 

\i>. I <>!>.] Consulate of the United States, 

Santiago de Cuba, November 26, 1897. 

Sn;: Yesterday I cabled you as follows: "Day, Washington. All 
political prisoners freed. Hyatt." 

This cable 1 now confirm. The order of release opened the doors to 
12 military prisoners in Castle Morro and a somewhat larger number 
in the city prison, including persons of different nationalities; but 
no Americans, all such having been from time to time released by 
special orders, which is a cause of much favorable comment to our 
nation. * * * 

The text of the new autonomy, as published here, is not meeting 
with favor by the most ardent friends of Spain. 

####### 

There is, however, a feeling of relief and safety since the change in 
the captain-generalship. 

Very respectfully, Pulaski F. Hyatt. 



Mr. Hyatt to Mr. Day. 

No. 410.] Consulate of the United States, 

Santiago de Cuba, December 5, 1897. 

Sir: The situation in this part of Cuba is not destitute of activity; 
nevertheless, it seems to be one of expectancy, both sides posing and 
waiting to see what will happen in the United States. 

There is a more secure feeling since the arrival of Governor-General 
Blanco, otherwise no perceptable change. The reconcentration order 
is relaxed, but not removed; but many people have reached a point 
where it is a matter of entire indifference to them whether it is removed 
or not, for they have lost all interest in the problem of existence. 

A census of the island taken to-day, as compared with one taken 
three years ago, I feel confident would show that two-thirds of the 
residents are missing; and the Spanish army would make no better 
showing. 

The rainy season is practically over, and cooler weather is apparent, 
the thermometer ranging from 70° to 88° F. through the twenty-four 
hours, in the shade. 

His Excellency Enrique Capriles, a former governor of this province, 
has returned to this post of duty. His former record is a sufficient 
guaranty of an honorable administration. 

* * * * * * 

Mr. Rigney, an American sugar planter near Manzanillo, was pre- 
paring to grind during the coming season. A few nights since the 
insurgents fired seven cannon shots among his buildings, one ball 
passing through the roof of his house. Americans were hopeful that 
they would be allowed to make their crop, and several are making 
ready to do so; but the action of the insurgents toward Mr. Rigney 
gives the problem a doubtful aspect. It may have been a personal 
matter against Mr. Rigney. 

The number of destitute Americans fed by this consulate decreased 
from 89 to 04, but is again on the increase. Since being fed, sickness 



CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 35 

among them has materially decreased and their appearance has greatly 
improved. 

******* 

Very respectfully, Pulaski F. Hyatt, 

United States Consul. 



Mr. Hyatt to Mr. Bay. 

No. 413.] Consulate of the United States, 

Santiago cle Cuba, December 14, 1897. 

Sir : Since my last dispatch on the situation in Cuba several military 
engagements of more or less importance have occurred and the insur- 
gents are claiming to have had the best in the fight; but until an 
engagement shall take place of sufficient importance to have a con- 
trolling influence, I can safely leave the press to report on such matters. 

I take it to be a matter of far greater importance that I shall watch 
the trend of public opinion and its effects on the political situation, for 
thus far battles have not been the most important factors in the Cuban 
problem. 

Up to the present we have only garbled accounts as to the contents 
of the President's message, so it is too early to say what its effects will 
be. I shall, however, watch such results with much concern, as all 
parties have looked forward to it with deepest solicitation. 

The order of reconcentration is now practically wiped out, and, so far 
as the Spanish Government is concerned, men go about nearly as they 
please. The insurgents and their sympathizers will unquestionably take 
advantage of the revocation to get from the towns and cities what 
they need, and otherwise strengthen their cause. 

The effect on agricultural pursuits will be disappointing, because the 
great majority of those who would or should take up the work joined 
the insurgent forces when compelled to leave their homes, and the por- 
tion which came within the lines of reconcentration are women, children, 
old and sickly people, most of whom seem to have little interest in the 
problem of life. * * * There is no one to take these people back 
to the fields and utilize their remaining strength. Their houses are 
destroyed, their fields are overgrown with weeds, they have no seed to 
plant, and if they had, they can not live sixty or eighty days until the 
crop matures, which, when grown, would more than likely be taken by 
one or the other of the contending parties. 

Many of those who are attached to their families have them within 
the insurgent lines. 

* * * * * # # 

Finally, I give it as my opinion, an opinion that I am sure is not 
biased in favor of Cuba, that Spain will be compelled to prosecute a 
far more vigorous war than has yet been done if she conquers peace 
in Cuba. I think I speak advisedly when I say that in this end of the 
island at least there are many thousand square miles where the foot of 
the Spanish soldier has never trod. Within this zone the insurgents 
have their families, carol their horses and cattle and raise their crops. 
They reach the outside world by methods of their own. 

Why Spain with a large body of as obedient and brave soldiers as 
ever shouldered a gun has not penetrated these grounds and scattered 



36 CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 

to the four winds the comparatively small body of men who are there, 
is a question I will not attempt to answer. 

As 1 write a man is dying on the street in front of my door, the third 
in a comparatively short time. 

Very respectfully, Pi i.aski I'. Hyatt, 

Unite! States Consul. 



Mr. Hyatt to Mr. Day. 

No. 415.] Consulate of the United States, 

Santiago de Cuba. December 21, 1*97. 

Sir: I respectfully report that sickness and the death rate on this 
island is appalling. * Statistics make a grievous showing, but come far 
short of the truth. 

The principal disease is known by various names. Calentura, balu- 
dol fever, la grippe, etc., is thought by physicians to be brought on by 
insufficient food. I know some that are attacked that have plenty. 
These, however, usually make a good recovery, while the others die or 
make very slow recovery. 

The disease is endemic rather than of a zymotic or contageous char- 
acter. From 30 to 40 per cent of the people are afflicted with it at the 
present time. 

Yellow fever continues in all parts of the island, and smallpox in 
some places, but are insignificant as compared with the prevailing dis- 
ease. Out of a total of 16,000 soldiers recently sent to Man/anillo, 
nearly 5,000 are in hospitals or quartered on the people. 1 have not 
learned whether it has attacked the insurgents or not; presumably yes, 
for Cubans elsewhere are not exempt, as in yellow fever. 

An extremely strong effort is being made to increase the strength of 
the autonomist party. The governor sends for men of supposed influ- 
ence and asks them to join the party and work to make it successful. 
He argues that it is a patriotic duty in which all good citizens should 

aid. 

******* 

As yet planters are all at sea as to whether they will grind cane or 
not. It is no secret that they will have to make terras with the insur- 
gents if they do, and I understand that an agreement by which 50 cents 
per bag, or about 15 cents per 100, will be paid for Cuban hands off. 
Planters say this will leave them no profit, but leave their plantations 
in better order for future operations. 

The three Eivery brothers, American citizens and owners of coffee, 
cocoa, and orange groves, are about to return to their places. They 
are absolutely penniless, and say they would have surely starved but 
for the food issued from this consulate. I shall continue to supply 
them with food, and issue a month's rations of such food as rice, beans, 
codfish, crackers, etc., as their homes are over 30 miles away. I 
have made myself, personally (not my Government), responsible for the 
transportation of themselves, their families, and goods, as it seemed 
desirable to get them on their estates as soon as possible. 

Dr. Henry S. Caminero, United States sanitary inspector, has just 
informed me that there are in this city over 1 L>,000 persons sick in 
bed, not counting those in military hospitals. This is at least 35 per 
cent of the present population. Quinine, the. only remedy of avail, is 
sold ten times higher than in the States. 



CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 37 

Steamers coming to this port mostly give out soup once a day to the 
waiting throngs. 

Fresh meat in our markets sells from 50 cents to $1 a pound. 

* # # # # # * 

Very respectfully, 

Pulaski F. Hyatt, 

United States Consul. 



Mr. Hyatt to Mr. Day. 

No. 418.] Consulate of the United States, 

Santiago de Cuba, January 1, 1898. 

Sir: I have the honor to say that, from a military standpoint, there 
is nothing new worthy of report, except the mobilizatien of the Span- 
ish forces to the number of 18,000 in and near Manzanillo, 6,000 of 
which are in hospital. 

Autonomy has been pushed with great vigor, almost or quite to the 
point of forcing men to join the party, when they could not be hired by 
a minor office. 

When here, a few days since General Pando sent for a Mr. Lora and 
said : " You have two active and influential brothers in the rebel army. 
You must go at once to these brothers and say, Come in and join the 
autonomist party and they will be provided for by me." 

Mr. Lora replied : " General, I ran away from my home to escape join- 
ing the insurgents; my brothers chose to join them. I will obey your 
command if you desire to sacrifice my life. My brothers would order 
me shot on the spot if I approached them with your proposition." 
General Pando withdrew his command. 

Enrique Capeiles, who was governor of this province some four years 
ago, returned to the same position about a month since. He is highly 
respected by all classes, and has worked with great energy to build up 
the autonomist party. He resigned to-day and took a solemn oath that 
he would never again set foot on Cuban soil. He declared himself both 
discouraged and disgusted. 

The problem of sugar making in this province is most discouraging. 

Climatic fevers still hold about one third of the people in bed. The 
death rate for the week in this city is 109. 1 deem myself fortunate in 
being a physician when called upon to fight life's battles amid such 
surroundings. 

Very respectfully, Pulaski F. Hyatt, 

United States Consul. 



Mr. Hyatt to Mr. Day. 

No. 420.] Consulate op the United States, 

Santiago de Cuba, January 8, 1898. 

Sir: I have the honor very respectfully to say that in my opinion 
the most important question of the Cuban problem to-day is, " Will 
the people of Cuba accept autonomy as a basis of settlement?" 

I have taken great pains to inform myself on this question and to 
eliminate as far as possible the bias which comes with the sources of 
my information. 



38 CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 

Thai the Spanish Government lias made a most energetic and 
thorough campaign to make autonomy successful there is no room for 
doubt. Personal appeals of provincial governors and other important 
officers have been made earnestly and often to the same individuals. 
* * * Wholesale removals of Spanish officers from civil positions 
are made by sweeping orders, with instructions to till their places with 
Cuban autonomists. About ;i week since there came an order dismiss- 
ing every employee of the custom-house in this city, to take effect as 
soon as proper autonomists could be found to fill their places. 

As yet only two have been named, the collector and first deputy. 
Against these a strong remonstrance was at once sent in. so the entire 
old corps are still in place. 

The newly appointed provincial governor, Lopez Chavez, has been 
here for several days, but as yet has not taken charge of the office. 

In many cases where Cubans are anticipating the acceptance of an 
office they have sent to the field to ask permission from insurgent 
officers. 

It will be seen that Cubans are moving very slow in accepting auton- 
omy. 

It is given out that sometime in the month of February there will be 
an election held for the purpose of electing sixty members of the Cuban 
assembly and eighteen members of the council of administration, 
while seventeen additional ones are to be appointed by the Governor- 
General. The lines are supposed to be drawn for or against autonomy. 
Cuban leaders declare they will neither make nominations nor go near 
the polls; so, if they adhere to their purpose, it will be no test of 
strength, and no recognition of the result will be taken by the men in 

the field. 

# # * # # * * 

Numerous dead bodies at the cemetery are carried over from day to 
day because the sexton is unable to bury them with his present corps 
of assistants as fast as they come. 
Very respectfully, 

Pulaski F. Hyatt, 
United Nates Consul. 



Mr. Hyatt to Mr. Day. 

No. 421.] Consulate of the United States, 

Santiago de Cuba, January 12, 1898. 

Sm: I deem it a duty to lay before the honorable Department of 
State the situation here as affecting American interests, and to inclose 
herewith an order issued by command of Gen. Maximo Gomez, and a 
translation of the same, forbidding the grinding of the sugar crop for 
the years L897 and L898. 

In this part of < Juba, so far as 1 can learn, all idea of making a sugar 
crop is cut irely abandoned. 

1 regret to say that the stoppage of industries, from present appear- 
ances, will not halt at the sugar crop, but coffee and other agricultural 
crops fall under the same ban. 

I had hoped that after the reconcentration order was revoked, 
through the energetic action of the present administration, we would 
find no trouble in reinstating American industries; but it appears that 
all of the benefits that should have accrued to our citizens are thwarted 



CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 39 

by the action of the insurgents, who refuse to allow them to return to 
their sugar, coffee, and other estates. The Pompo Manganese mines, 
owned by Americans, would at the present time be a very profitable 
investment if allowed to operate, are also being held up by the same 
power. 

The three Revery brothers, who I informed you recently I was about 
to assist in returning to their coffee and fruit estates, got there only to 
find they could not go to work until permission was obtained from the 
insurgent commander, which permission seems doubtful, I myself, as I 
understand my duty, being inhibited from rendering them any assist- 
ance at this point. 

These, with several sugar estates within my consular district, are 
held up and becoming more worthless than before. 

It is beyond the power of my pen to describe the situation in eastern 
Cuba. Squalidity, starvation, sickness, and death meets one in all 
places. Beggars throng our doors and stop us on the streets. The 
dead in large numbers remain over from day to day in the cemeteries 

unburied. 

####### 

Very respectfully, Pulaski F. Hyatt, 

United States Consul. 



[Inclosnro in No. 421. J 

There is a seal that reads: Republic of Cuba, War No. 43, book 3, folio 150. 

The council of the Government in session on the 29th day of last month adopted 
the following resolution : 

Considering tbat the working of the sugar estates favor the plans of our enemies, 
as shown by the marked interest in their last winter campaign, thus injuring the 
steady headway of the revolution. 

It has been ordered by our Government as a general political measure of war, 
which to-day is more than ever imposed upon us, and in accordance with article 22, 
paragraph 6, of the constitution to absolutely prohibit the realization of the sugar 
crop of 1897-98, that this be communicated to the general-in-chief, with the object 
that he will dictate the opportune orders for the exact compliance of this resolution, 
and that it should be published for general knowledge, making known that violators 
will suffer the punishment prescribed by our laws. 

What I transcribe to you for your knowledge and exact compliance. 

I am, with high consideration, 

Country and liberty, 

Palmar'ito, December 2, 1897. 

Jose B. Amman, Secretary of War. 

To Gen. Calixto Garcia. 

I hereby certify that the above resolution authorized by the secretary of war, 
Jose" B. Aleman, and directed to Gen. Calixto Garcia, is an exact copy of original on 
file in the archives of the chief of the military department of Orient. 

Baire, December 28,1897. 

Lieut. Col. Eduardo Salazar, Auditor. 



Mr. Hyatt to Mr. Day. 

No. 424.] Consulate of the United States, 

Santiago de Cuba, January 22, 1897. 
Sir: I have the honor to report that Colonel Masso of the insurgent 
forces, whose home is in this city, has, at a point west of here, given 
himself up to the Spanish forces, with one hundred and ten officers and 
men under his command. 



40 CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 

Citizens of Santiago say that lie did the same thing in the former 
rebellion. 

But the military situation is completely overshadowed in importance 
in- the starving, struggling mass, whose cry is " Bread, or I perish." 

This consulate is besieged to an extent that blocks the entrance, 
and greatly retards business. They have heard that the people of the 
United States are giving funds for their relief, and have not the 
patience to wait. I could name three Americans here who contribute 
monthly over three hundred dollars toward feeding the poor, but it is 
as nothing compared to the people's necessities. 

Men, women, and children, homeless and almost naked, roam the 
streets by day, begging of everyone they meet, or door they pass, and 
sleeping at night anywhere they can find a place to lie down. 

[f the present death rate is continued, there would not be a soul left 
in the city at the end of five years. 

For the masses it is speedy help or sure death. 
Very repectfully, 

Pulaski F. Hyatt, 

United Mates Consul. 



Mr. Hyatt to Mr. Day. 

No. 427. J Consulate of the United States, 

Santiago de Ctiba, January 31, 1898. 
Sir: I desire to inform the honorable Department of State that Cap- 
tain-General Blanco arrived at this port on Friday night, the 28th 
instant, but remained on shipboard until the next morning. 

The consular corps called soon after his arrival. Most of General 
Blanco's remarks were directed to the French and American consuls. 
####### 

Colonel Marsh, of General Blanco's staff, called upon and dined with 
me the same evening. lie speaks fairly good English, and is a gentle- 
man of rare social qualities. On leaving he said, "I shall be at all 
times most happy to use whatever influence I may have with General 
Blanco in securing a favorable resolution of any matters that you may 
desire to present to him." 

I told him I was prepared to take advantage of his offer at once, as 
there had just arrived at the custom-house in this place a quantity of 
quinine which the collector of customs said he could not deliver duty 
free without instructions from Havana. The colonel promised to lay 
the matter at once before the Captain-General, and the quinine is 
released, and, as I understand, it is ordered that all future shipments 
are to be promptly delivered to me, if any shall come. 

On Sunday morning the regular passenger train on the Sabanilla 
and Maroto Railroad, when 5 miles out of Santiago, was blown up by 
dynamite bombs, exploded by electric wins; two cars were shivered 
in atoms. Five passengers were killed outright and twenty-two badly 
wounded, some of whom have since died. It is thought by some that 
the insurgents believed that Captain-General Blanco was on the train; 
by others that they merely wanted to notify the general that they were 
around and attending to business. 
I am, etc., 

Pulaski F. Hyatt, 

United States Consul. 



CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 41 

Mr. Hyatt to Mr. Day. 

No. 428.] Consulate of the United States, 

Santiago de Cuba, February 1, 1898. 

Sir : The military conditions here upon the surface are not materially 
changed, but to one who watches the signs of the times and knows 
the character of the men who act the drama the situation is not with- 
out portent. 

The era of good feeling is passing away, while bitter words and cruel 
acts are again coming to the front. Those engaged in works of mercy 
are denounced for keeping alive a tribe that ought to be dead. But it 
can not be said there is no excuse for harsh judgment. The stoppage 
of all agricultural pursuits and the blowing up of cars containing inno- 
cent people can not be justified even under the guise of war. Extrem- 
ists of both sides seem able to dominate the sentiments of their respec- 
tive parties, while a deep feeling of personal hatred pervades their 
breasts. 

General Blanco's mild and humane policy meets with but a feeble 
response from his own followers, while the insurgents laugh at the old 
man who throws sods and grass instead of stones. 

Autonomy is already a dead issue, while buying insurgent leaders 
thus far is not a marked success, the insurgent generals having already 
imprisoned several officers suspected of venality. 

Colonel Marsh, of General Blanco's staff, said recently — 

Spain fails to comprehend that Cuba has, as it were, two mothers — a political one, 
which is Spain; a commercial one, which is the United States; and the political 
mother fails to see that the commercial mother has any rights, while the commer- 
cial mother can not shake off her responsibility, for God has made them next-door 
neighbors. 

I do not believe that the Western Continent has ever witnessed death 
by starvation equal to that which now exists in eastern Cuba. 
Very respectfully, etc., 

Pulaski F. Hyatt, 

United States Consul. 



Mr. Hyatt to Mr. Bay. 

No. 432.] Consulate of the United States, 

Santiago de Cuba, February 15, 1898. 

Sir: In the matter of distribution of American relief, I have to 
report that up to the present time nothing but medicines have reached 
us; but I understand that food is on the way. 

As soon as I learned that quinine was coming I at once addressed a 
polite note to his excellency informing him of the fact and request- 
ing him to suggest through what channels it would be best to make 
distribution. 

The governor answered very politely, but said, as they had their 
own physicians who were looking after the poor he did not see the 
necessity, but should the emergency arise would be very glad to avail 
himself of the generous offer. 

Fortunately, a well organized corps of the first ladies of the city were 
doing the best they could with the means at hand to help the unfortu- 
nates, and to nearly every family in this part of Cuba quinine was as 
acceptable as gold. Twenty of these ladies called on me for quinine 



42 CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 

and were at once spreading it among the needy sick. I ?lso sent a 
quantity to the archbishop, and begged him to accept and nse it in 
snch a way as in his judgment lit' thought best. 

The physicians of the city quickly joined, and in less than twenty- 
four hours the quinine was in every part of the city doing its work. 

J also shipped portions to Baracoaon the north coast, to Guanata- 
nanio and Man/anillo on the south coast, to the interior towns of Hol- 
guin, Ganez, San Luis, Dos Uaminos, Oristo, .Moron. Dos Bocas, San 
Vicente, Noniato, and Ouabitas, as also to the towns at Daigueri and 
Juragua, belonging to two large American iron-mining companies. 

A fair quantity was sent to the eleemosynary institutions of this city 
and other places, so that within a week the whole hundred thousand 
pills were doing duty and just as they were gone another batch arrived. 

The governor, seeing the good work being done, sent me a polite 
note, saying he had appointed two gentlemen to assist me and that he 
himself was personally at my service. I then appointed two gentle- 
men, Dr. Arze and Mr. Octaviano Duany, to act in conjunction with 
the governor's committee. 

These gentlemen will under my direction look after the business mat- 
ters and will take charge of the distribution of food. 

The ladies will go from house to house and issue tickets according to 
their best judgment, and at certain times these orders will be tilled 
under the direction of the gentlemen committee. 

With the free use of quinine the death rate of the city fell 20 per 
cent the first week. 

The quinine and other medicines sent have proved to be so potent 
and certain in their action, that the work of American chemists has 
received a decided boom and by all parties the action has been pro- 
nounced marvelous. 

The doctors have heretofore found that in order to break a fever they 
had to prescribe from GO to 100 grains of quinine each day. One-fifth 
of that amount of American quinine does the work better. 
Very respectfully, 

Pulaski F. Hyatt, 

United States Consul. 



Mr. Hyatt to Mr. Day. 

ISTo. 434.1 Consulate of the United States, 

Santiago <lc Cuba, February 16, 1S98. 
Sir: Wounded Spanish soldiers, about 200 in number, have been 
brought to the hospital of this city within the last three days. A sur- 
geon who has dressed the wounds of a Spanish captain tells the story 
this morning as follows: 

Our command, about 7,000 in number, had born to Ilolquin and -were returning, 
when at a point near Aguacate, without any notice or knowledge of the presence of 
the enemy in force, a galling tiro opened on us, and, as we could not tell from where 
it camo or see the enemy to return the fire, we were ordered to drop flat on the 
ground. From this position we returned the tire as best we could for a time on an 
unseen enemy, who finally withdrew. 

The captain admitted a loss of 300 in killed and wounded on the 
Spanish side, and says they have no knowledge of the loss inflicted on 
the insurgents. 



CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 43 

Sixteen hundred new troops from Spain arrived at this port last 
night, among them quite a number of young doctors just graduated. 
Very respectfully, 

Pulaski F. Hyatt, 

United States Consul. 



Mr. Hyatt to Mr. Day. 

No. 437.] Consulate of the United States, 

Santiago de Cuba, February 26, 189S. 
Sir: I have the honor to herewith inclose for your information a 
copy of a letter sent yesterday by me to the New York Central Cuban 
Belief Committee, showing the results of four days' work in distributing 
rations to the starving poor. 

Rations are issued in a court attached to the consulate, the people 
being admitted by the police through a carriage driveway. 

As I write the street is blocked by the hungry throng for nearly a 
square above and below the entrance. 

I have requested the police to admit the most delicate and feeble sub- 
jects first, as many of them are unable to stand very long in such a 
crowd. 

I shall if possible get a photographic view of the scene and forward 
it to the President through your honorable Department. 
I am, etc., 

Pulaski F. Hyatt, 

United States Consul. 

Since writing this dispatch (No. 437) I have been informed that the 
ladies, relief committee have estimated that in this city alone the num- 
ber who need help is at least 18,000. 

Hyatt, Consul. 



[Inclosnre in No. 437.] 

United States Consulate, 
Santiago de Cuba, February 35, 1898. 
New York Central Relief Committee. 

Gentlemen : I desire to make a brief report of the first four days' work in dis- 
tributing the 101 cases of evaporated cream, 65 cases condensed milk, 100 bags of 
rice, 104 cases of codfish, 6 boxes of bacon, 208 bags flour, 43 barrels of beans, pills, 
drugs, etc., which I received in due time by steamship Niagara. 

As stated in a previous communication, a committee of 30 of the best ladies of this 
place divided the city into 15 districts, with two ladies to each district. These 
issue rations tickets according to the number of needy persons in each house. 

These tickets are honored under the direction of a committee of gentlemen and 
myself, and a liberal week's rations are issued to each. 

To prevent imposition we are obliged to refuse all who do not come with tickets 
from the ladies. The first day, rations were issued to 379; second day, 579; third 
day, 1,083; fourth day, 1,027; total, 3,068. 

Each ration being for seven days, which makes a total of 21,482 for one day. 

As near as I can judge only about one-half of the people who need help have yet 
received their first rations, and the codfish and beans will give out before we get 
around the first time. 

Have given moderate quantities to the eleemosynary institutions of the city, and 
sent some to the mining and other towns near by. 

We are trying to make both food and medicine do the most good possible. 

It takes six or ei^ht policemen to keep the crowds in order. 

I am obliged to spend some money for labor, cartage, transportation, cable inci- 
dentals, etc. 



44 CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 

There are numerous people badly raptured and in a distressed condition. lam 
skilled in handling trusses, but I hardly think it advisable to send trusses, as each 
case needs a stock i" select from. 

I would not advise sending any more medicine except quinine for the present. 

Everything sent has been of a superior quality. The Highland brand of con- 
densed cream and flour are specially tine. 

The medicines have had almost miraculous effects. .Should you make further 
shipments, keep beans, rice, and codfish in the foreground, but everything comes in 
play. 

Smallpox has again broken out, and I have requested Surgeon-General Wyman to 
Bend to you for me a quantity of vaccine virus. Should it come to hand I will 
thank you to furnish me with a moderate quantity. 

1 am, gentlemen, with highest consideration, your most obedient servant, 

ITlaski P. Hyatt, 
United Siutes Consul. 



Mr. Hyatt to Mr. Day. 

No. 439.] Consulate of the United States, 

/Santiago de Cuba, March 24, 1898. 
Sir: 

Three sugar estates owned or managed by the house of Brooks & 
Co. are making sugar on a small scale, but have little faith in their 
ability to go ahead. These plantations are located near Guantanamo. 

Property holders, without distinction of nationality, and with few 
exceptions, strongly desire annexation, having but little hope of a 
stable government under either of the contending forces, and they view 
with regret the indifference, nay, repugnance, of the American people 
to such a union, and still hope that a combination of circumstances will 
yet bring it about; but such a move would not be popular among the 
masses. 

On Sunday last an election was held in this city to elect officers to 
hold an election on the 27th instant. No one seemed to know anything 
about it until it was over, and the autonomists won the election. A 
member of that party told me that "we met quietly and done our vot- 
ing." There is no evidence that the people in general intend to take 
any part in the coming election. Circulars are now out urging the 
people to turn out and sustain the government, to the end that peace 
and prosperity may speedily come. 



Very respectfully, 



Pulaski F. Hyatt, 

United States Consul. 



Mr. .lor a to Mr. Day. 

No. 261.] Consulate of the United States, 

Sagua la Grande, November 11, 1897. 

Sir: It may not be improper that I give the Department my impres- 
sions of the status of affairs here concerning the new policy promised 
by Spain to this island. 

By the attitude openly demonstrated against autonomy from the two 
only existing parties that have to decide its results, the Cuban sepa- 
ratists, including the armed men in the Held and their supporters in the 
towns, and the Spanish conservatives, with followers in Cuba and Spain, 



CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 45 

the former refusing anything but independence, the latter encouraging 
its members to strongly protest, not solely against autonomy, but even 
"reforms," which they have rebuked as contrary to their constitution, 
I can not help to foresee that far from improving the actual condition 
of things it will make it more and more critical. 

1 have left aside without consideration a new factor on the political 
arena, "annexation," not being able to calculate its magnitude on 
account of the legal prohibition of that doctrine resulting in the secret 
endeavors of the adherents, but it is well seen that it is growing stronger 
every day, principally among the Spaniards. The autonomist part 
to-day in this district does not exist. In very rare exceptions one 
partisan may be found loyal to that platform; more so now, in view of 
Captain-General Weyler's work. It may be said that it is only nominal. 

The Reformists have divided themselves so much that its members 
are to be found in any of the other parties. They are ready to adopt 
the flag of the more favorable side, turning out thus a very weak asso- 
ciation. Spain has to depend on these two last nominal and feeble 
corporations for the implantation of its new course of action. Taking 
all these facts into appreciation, it is hard to see in what way is Spain 
going to establish this new system. It will always be a parasite with- 
out stable foundation, without basis, singly maintained by a very infirm, 
insignificant auxiliary. 

In the meantime the reconcentrados, the majority innocent beings, 
who have had, and even now have no notion of the cause of this revo- 
lution, who had no more aspiration than to till their little farms, con- 
tinue perishing. It is difficult, it may be said almost impossible, to be 
able to describe the extension and intensity of such tremendous suffer- 
ing, of such iniquitous, unjust, and sinful imposition, to annihilate thou- 
sands of women and children. If this Godless combination should be 
accurately represented it would seem an exaggeration induced by stirred 
fellow-feeling. With sensibility in the heart moving among them, the 
unceasing crowd of famished beggars, one can scarcely do more than 
commiserate the undeserved misfortune. To express, to delineate the 
afflictions, the anguishes witnessed at every step, would require much 
to write, and no lavish of colors could approach the reality to fiction. 
No history in the world, ancient or modern, can be compared an instant 
to this frightful, dreadful suffering. Perhaps civilization has not seen 
the like of it. 

In conclusion, I beg to be permitted to state that, in my humble 
judgment, the efforts toward the enforcement of reforms or autonomy 
will prove altogether futile; and, of course, in consequence of this fail- 
ure the few reconcentrados that have survived will not be allowed to go 
freely to their devastated farms, prolonging thus this unbearable 
situation. 

I have, etc, 

John F. Jova, 

Vice- Consul. 



Mr. Barker to Mr. Day. 

No. 264.] Consulate of the United States, 

Sagna la Grande, November 20, 1897. 
Sir: I have the honor to submit the following: While General 
Blanco has made known his purpose to relieve the concentrated people, 
by allowing them to go out of the towns, it may not be improper that 



46 



CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 



I give the Department reasons why this permission will not give the 
relief claimed by the authorities. 

While Article I grants permission to this starving class to return to 
the country, Article 111 abrogates this very article in exacting that to 
avail themselves of the privilege the places to which they g<> must be 
garrisoned. This condition alone will preclude over one-half of these 
poor unfortunates, for their homes are in ruin, and the sugar estates able 
to maintain a guard can care for but a small percentage of the whole. 

The guerrillas have already started their merciless warfare, having 
within the past week killed two "presentados" who had in good faith 
surrendered and gone to work on the American owned estate " Victoria," 
repeating the act upon three insurgents who had surrendered to the 
local guerrillas of Sagua. 

1 will not question the good intention of those now in power; yet it 
is a self-evident fact that the authorities are utterly helpless to extend 
any relief to those who have thus far survived the pangs of hunger. 
Without instant pecuniary assistance * * * all efforts to relieve 
the starving populace must fall stillborn. So far as relates to this 
section of the island, the claim made by the Captain-General through a 
published letter to the Spanish minister in Washington that "extensive 
zones of cultivation have been organized, daily rations are provided 
by the State, work is furnished," etc., is not borne out by my observation. 
# ###### 

As to grinding the present crop, 1 have interviewed most of the largest 
planters in this consular district, who stated that unless assured of 
immunity from the insurgent chief — Gomez — they would not jeopardize 
their property by attempting to grind. 

It is an unquestioned fact that the military are powerless to give this 
necessary protection. 

I am, etc., Walter B. Barker, 

Consul. 



Mr. Barker to Mr. Day. 

No. 266.] Consulate of the United States, 

Magna la Grande, November 25, 1897. 

Sir : With reference to the distress and deaths in this island, I beg 
to submit the following relative to this — Santa Clara — province. 

As has beeu my custom for the past five mouths, I have just made 
the monthly trip of investigation in this consular district, embracing 
a large part of the territory of the province. Appended is the official 
mortality list of each of the judicial districts comprising the province 
known as "Cinco Villas" (five towns) from January 1 to November 15, 
1S!)7, inclusive, viz: 



Santa Clara 27,900 

Sagna 10, 583 

('ion fuoyos 14, 263 

RemedioB 11. 11;") 



Sancti Eepiritus 5, 482 

Trinidad 4, 946 



Total 80,589 



Add to this 25 per cent for the number of which no record has been 
kept. * * * 1 deem a conservative estimate would make the grand 
total 100,736 deaths. 

In truth, after talking with both military and judicial officers, I regard 
this rather under than above the actual deaths for the period stated. 



CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 47 

Undoubtedly one-half the concentrated people have died; and to-day 
Spanish soldiers are companion victims to the surviving noncombatants. 

The inclosed slip (inclosure No. 1), showing the number of deaths, 
official, in the small municipal district of San Juan de la Yeras, will 
give some idea of the rapid increase from month to month, as will also 
the clippings (inclosure No. 2), cut from the local papers, show that the 
authorities no longer conceal these facts, as was done under the retired 
Captain-General. This appalling death roll is mute, yet convincing, 
proof of the terrible destruction of life under the main policy pursued in 
attempting to subjugate the island. The heavens, it would appear, weep 
for despoiled, distressed Cuba, for during the present mouth the fall 
of rain has been almost phenomenal. I have to reiterate, the authori- 
ties, however great the desire to do so, are utterly helpless to ameliorate 
the dire distress that must continue to increase. * * * 

Relative to furnishing protection to the mills to grind, how is it possi- 
ble in view of the fact that the safeguard extended planters in making 
the previous crop enabled them to grind less than one-third of the 
usual yield, while the military force available to-day is not half in 
numbers as at that time. 

With me the conviction is firmly rooted that within sixty days 90 
per cent of the populace will reach a state of craving hunger, without 
outside aid, nor do I feel that I am speaking chimerically when I 
include the rank and file of the Spanish army. 

The true status, as viewed at present, will bear out this opinion. The 
suffering among the troops, as well as the reconcentrados, simply beg- 
gars portrayal, while discontent ripens daily. 
I am, etc., 

Walter B. Barker, 

Consul. 



[Inclosure 1 in No. 266.] 

Number of deaths each month from January 1 to November 15, 1897, in the municipal dis- 
trict of San Juan de J as Lleras. 

[Reported officially.] 



January 17 

February 18 

March 17 

April 55 

May 117 

June 265 

July 313 



August 366 

September 377 

October 417 

November — to 15th 275 

Total 2,267 



[Enclosure 2 in No. 266.— Translation.] 

Various News. 

During the month of October last 886 deaths occurred in Santa Clara. 
There were 44 births only. 

HORKOR. 

El Universo, a daily constitutional paper, which is published in Santa Clara, says : 

In the month of October last 886 persons died at Santa Clara. 

This is the natural consequence of one of the many humanitary proceedings of 

Weyler — the "concentration" without food. And this is said by El Universo, the 

Union constitutional daily paper, etc., etc. Horror ! 



48 CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 

1//-. Barker to Mr. Day. 

No. 270.] Consulate of the United States, 

ISagua la Grands, December 13, 1897. 

Sik: Confident of the desire of the Department to keep in touch with 
affairs tinder the new regime, I beg to submit the following: 

In order either to qualify or confirm my No. 204, of the 20th instant, 
wherein I stated the claim made by the authorities that the people were 
cultivating the soil, rations issued daily to the needy, and protection 
given to the mills so as to grind the present crop was not in accordance 
with my observations, I have within the past few days visited live of 
the principal railroad towns in this consular district — viz, Santa Clara, 
Cruces, Esperanza, Jicotea, aud Santo Domingo. The destitution is 
simply too harrowing to recite and must become intensified each day. 
The death rate for last month shows an increase of about 25 per cent. 

In these towns I got my information from the mayors of each. From 
them I learned that while an issue of food, running from three to five 
days, had been made, beginning on the 28th ultimo, consisting of 3 
ounces bacon or jerked beef and G ounces rice for adults, with half 
this allowance for children under 14 years, the pittance given was 
sufficient only for one-fourth to one-tenth of the starving. Xo fur- 
ther relief has been given up to date. On the contrary, the mayors of 
Santa Clara, Cruces, and Santo Domingo are authority for stating the 
Captain-General had ordered that after the 8th instant any issue of food 
to the "concentrados" be discontinued. I inclose herewith a clipping 
from a local paper of Santa Clara confirming this. I have also read it 
in more than one other Spanish journal. 

The mayor of Santa Clara stated to me that the Captain-General a 
week since directed him to call on the commissary of the army for 5,000 
rations for relief purposes, which he said was sufficient to feed the suf- 
fering people but for one day. This officer's answer was he could not 
do so, as all Government supplies on hand would be required to feed 
the army. The mayor stated, also, that in presenting this order to the 
military commander he was ordered by him under no circumstances to 
give food to anyone having relatives in the insurrection, which he 
informed me would exclude 75 per cent of the destitute. I know that 
in Sagua and other points orders for food have been given on the com- 
missary departments of the army, but invariably refused, as being 
needed for the soldiers. I reiterate, however sincere be the authorities 
to provide for the large number of "concentrados" who dare not return 
to the country, the fact that they are utterly powerless to do so can not 
be disguised. 

All efforts so far to obtain relief by popular subscription have met 
with signal failure. The Cubans are too poverty-stricken, while the 
Spaniards, who own the wealth, will contribute nothing. 

In my recent trip I found that the Spanish soldiers are not only suf- 
fering for necessary food, but I was often appealed to by these pitiable 
creatures for medicine. One has only to look upon them to be assured 
of the needs complained of. 

In view of the foregoing facts, known to me from personal investiga- 
tion, J desire to renew the suggestion made to the Department in a 
previous dispatch, that the dire destitution and distress of * * * 
the people * * * appeals for immediate assistance to a charitable, 
Christinn people, with which I sincerely hope the Department may not 
deem ill-advised lo acquaint the people of the United States, when such 
a response will be made as will bring succor to a starving populace. 



CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 49 

It is proper that I inform the Department that, added to the universal 
destitution, the guerrillas continue to attack and kill the non combatants. 
* * * As stated, the guerrilla chiefs Carreras, Olavarieta, and Lazo 
are, if possible, more active in their cruel warfare on "paciflcos." 
I am, etc. 

Walter B. Barker, 

Consul. 



[Inclosure 1 iii No. 270. — Translation. — From La Patria, December 4, 1897, of Santa Clara.] 
ENDING OF RATIONS. 

Aii order has been received from His Excellency the Captain-General directing 
that from the 8th instant the issue of rations to reconcentrados will be discontinued. 



[Inclosure 2 in No. 270. — From Diario tie la Marina, December 13, 1897.] 

News from the insurrection by our special reporters. 

[From Mauzanillo, December 9.] 

General Pando, from what may be gleaned by his first steps in the district, intends 
to begin an active campaign. 

The task that this worthy general undertakes is very hard, as he finds himself in 
a part of the country where during two years they have done nothing but protect 
supply trains, giving the enemy time to perfectly organize themselves, a condition 
they possess, get together ammunition, and establish great plantations, where they 
want nothing. 

Bear in mind that in saying this I do not try to blame the action of various 
division generals who have worked; enough have they achieved to hold on, without 
means of any kind aud with forces devoured almost entirely by exhaustion and 
feebleness. 

Another of the great obstacles that the general will find opposed is the absence 
of strategical places for provisioning the troops, because Yara, Zazzal, Cuentas, 
Claras, and others equally necessary now were destroyed. 

Be it known that the destruction of these towns was effected by order of General 
Weyler. 

[Translation.] 

Santiago de Cuba, December S. 
Grinding. — The sugar estates Union and Santa Clara, the only ones that can work 
this crop, do not show yet any indications that they shall prepare for work. Both 
are deprived of oxen, it being very difficult to acquire them now in this neighbor- 
hood. 
Meat. — Yesterday this eatable was selling at 50 cents silver per pound — a short one. 

Aurelio. 



Mr. Barker to Mr. Day. 

No. 271.] Consulate of the United States, 

Sagua la Grande, December 15, 1897. 

Sir : Thinking it may interest the Department, I have the honor to 
transmit herewith clippings from a leading Spanish journal published 
in Havana, * * * calling attention to the inability of the mills 
to grind in the Province of Santiago de Cuba, which is one of the 
obstacles to grinding in this (Santa Clara) province, were the planters 
able to pay tribute required by the insurgents. 

The grinding season being at hand without preparations having been 
made dissipates all hope of a beginning. 
H. Doc. 406 4 



50 CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 

Not to grind the present crop, small as it must be. will bring distress 
far greater t ban can be imagined. 

I am, etc., Walter B. Barker, 

Consul. 



j( lonfldenl ial. j 

.1//-. Barker to Mr. Day. 

Consulate of the United States, 

Sagua la Grande, December 38, 1897. 

Sir: I ask, very respectfully, to submit the following for your con- 
sideration : 

Since the advent of the new government in this island I have 
endeavored to keep the Department informed of its workings in this 
consular district, and province as well. 

Thus far every material fact reported has been verified. The suf- 
fering and destitution among the concentrados * * * is fearful, 
and must continue to grow worse. 

How could the situation be otherwise, since the island is producing 
absolutely nothing, save some growing cane, and at the same time 
completely exhausted of all food. Relief alone can be obtained from 
the outer world in the way of charitable contributions. 

This — Santa Clara — province is capable this season of producing, 
perhaps, two-thirds of whatever cane might be made in the entire 
island. 

To grind this cane without interruption would be the means of sav- 
ing the lives of thousands who, without this or outside aid within the 
next thirty to fifty days, must die of actual hunger. Over a month 
since the planters were officially advised of Spain's inability to provide 
protection in order to operate their mills. This leaves the sugar grow- 
ers entirely in the hands of the Cubans in revolt, as to whether they 
will be allowed to grind without hindrance or fear of total destruction 
of their property. I know that strict orders have been given to sub- 
ordinate commanders under no circumstances must mills be permitted 
to grind, under penalty of violation of the order destruction of property. 
####### 

Without contributions of food and medicine from the outer world, and 
at once, a sacrifice of lives will ensue, the responsibility for which no 
Christian people can lace. 

I am, etc., Walter B. Barker, 

Consul. 



Mr. Barker to Mr. Dai/. 

No. 273.] Consulate of the United States, 

Sagua la Grande, January 8, 1898. 

SIR : I have the honor to transmit herewith, for conformation, copy of 
my telegram of even date sent the Department through our honorable 
consul general at Havana, giving number of paupers in this consular 
district and province. 

Prompt relief in the way of medicines as well as food will save many 
lives of this unfortunate class. While clothing, as stated, is needful, 
food and medicines are essential to save life. 



CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 51 

Voluntary letters just received from the mayors of four of the prin- 
cipal towns of this immediate zone show not only the necessity for 
instant succor, but evince an earnest desire on the part of these recently 
installed officials to render aid in distributing whatever relief the chari- 
table people of the United States may send this suffering people, not 
forgetting, as I shall not, the many Spanish soldiers whose every 
appearance is indicative of destitution. 

This consular district — due to the fact that nearly thirty towns are 
embraced in it — will require more or less expenditure of money in lieu 
of food ; yet I am assured of gratuitous transportation for supplies by 
the Sagua Eailroad. 

Within a few days I hope to have an official list from the mayors of 
the number of destitute in their respective municipal districts to for- 
ward to the Department. 

I am, etc., Walter B. Barker, 

Consul. 



[Inclosure 1 in No. 273. — Telegram.] 
Mr. Barker to Mr. Day. 

Sagua, December 8, 1897. 
States that food, medicine, and clothing are required by more than 50,000 persons 
in his consular district, and that a reliable estimate of the number of starving in 
the Sagua province is 100,000. Advises the immediate need of relief by supplies 
through Consul-General Lee at Havana, or directly by the Munson Line. Says that 
some money will be needed, and that municipal authorities will aid in distributing 
supplies sent. 

Barker, Consul. 



[Inclo8iire 2 in No. 273.] 

Mr. Barker to Mr. Lee. 

Sagua, December S, 1897. 
Dear Sir: I hand you herewith a telegram which I beg you will send from your 
office — by cable— in cipher if you deem best. 

I need not tell you that the situation demands immediate action and relief. 
I do not transmit this message for the reason I have no cipher "code." A copy of 
this telegram, with reasons for sending you to be transmitted, will follow "in a 
dispatch to the Department. 

Yours, truly, Walter B. Barker, 

Consul. 
JNote.— Should the Department not regard it ill-advised, and will telegraph me 
authority to so act, I can, by wiring message to personal friends in New Orleans, 
Mobile, Memphis, Chattanooga, Atlanta, and Charleston, obtain needed contribu- 
tions much more promptly. 

Barker, Consul. 



Mr. Barker to Judge Bay. 

No. 278. J Consulate of the United States, 

Sagua la Grande, January 15, 1898. 

Sir: I beg to submit the following: In this consular district a reign 
of terror and auarchy prevail which the authorities, be they so disposed, 
are utterly powerless to control or in any measure subdue. 

Aside from the suffering and desperation caused by the unparalleled 
destitution, I regard the situation as rapidly assuming a critical stage ; 



52 CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 

and to add that, as stated repeatedly heretofore, in no way have the 
authorities departed, in fact, from the policy pursued by the late (but 
not lamented) General Weyler. Spanish troops as well as the guerril- 
las, under the cruel chiefs Oarreras, Olavarrieta, and La/.o, continue to 
despoil the country and drench it with the blood of noncoinbatants. 
Although the ••bando" of the < apt ain-( leneral provides that laborers 
may return to estates having a garrison, last week a number belonging 
on tin- "Sta Ana,'' located within a league of Sagua, and owned by Mr. 
George Thorndike, of Newport, B. I., were driven off after returning, 
and refused permit as a protection by the military commander, Mayor 
Lomo, one of the trusted otlicers under the Weyler regime. 
I am, etc., 

Walter B. Barker. 



Mr. Barker l<> Judge Day. 

i Ion Aden tial.] 

Consulate of the United States, 

Sagua la Grande, January 10, 1898. 

Sir: Pardon the presumption, if presumption it be, in me in offering 
the following suggestions for the consideration of the Department: 

When Spain will admit defeat no mortal, in my humble judgment, 
dare predict. That her plan of settlement — autonomy — is a failure, and 
with this failure passes from under her dominion the island, is not to 
be questioned. 

Pending this admission on her part, thousands of human beings, 
guiltless of bringing on or having any part in the insurrection, are 
dying for want of sustenance. This condition must continue to increase. 

The United States in taking action relative to Cuba — which seems 
inevitable — desires to avoid a clash with Spain. Then let Congress 
alter our citizenship laws by amending the statute relative to the declar- 
ation required of persons becoming citizens by naturalization so that 
the subject or citizens of any government at present residing in Cuba 
may go before any United States consul in that island and make declar- 
ation of intention of becoming a citizen of the United States, which 
shall entitle them to recognition as citizens until the expiration of two 
years, when they shall be required to reside in the United States until 
five j -ears shall have elapsed before being granted naturalization papers. 

With such a privilege, I am confident IK) per cent of the resident 
Spaniards — the hitherto dominant party and taxpayers — will avail 
themselves of this opportunity (as they would have it) of rebuking the 
mother country for attempting to foist upon them any changes in the 
existing laws of the island. Such a step would cause the home subjects 
as well as the Government to acquiesce, without disturbance, in the 
loss of the island. To this, if none other, there may be constitutional 
objections. 

Again, assuming that Spain may now accept the "good offices" of 
the United States with a view to negotiating a peace with her rebellious 
subjects, let an armistice for sixty days be suggested, in which time 
terms of settlement to be discussed between the authorities and the 
insurgents, the United States being the umpire. 

Pending negotiations, all Spanish troops to be quartered and held in 
the larger fortified coast towns, in order that the "coneentrados" may 
return to the country to arrange to subsist themselves; for, be it under- 



CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 53 

stood, that the proposed relief to be sent from the United States, as 
well as Government aid now being given our citizens, must be continued 
or leave the people to starve, so long as there is an armed Spanish 
soldier in the country, since these people, for fear of being murdered, 
dare not go to their country homes. 
I have the honor, etc., 

Walter B. Barker, 

Consul. 



Mr. Barker to Mr. Bay. 

No. 284.] Consulate of the United States, 

Sagua la Grande, January 27, 1898. 
Sir: I beg to inform the Department that smallpox, referred to in 
my No. 279 of the 18th instant, has increased to an alarming extent. 
The number of cases and mortality among the "reconcentrados" is 
unprecedented throughout this consular district. 
I am, etc.. 

Walter B. Barker, 

Consul. 



Mr. Barker to Mr. Bay. 

No. 28G.] Consulate of the United States, 

Sagua la Grande, January 31, 1898. 

Sir : Relative to citizens of the United States residing in this con- 
sular district, I have the honor to say to the Department, after three 
months, the new administration's progress and repudiation concerning 
the abuses in vogue under the former regime reveal the following facts: 

Of those herded in the garrisoned towns, none have been allowed to 
return to their landed estates. Some few who did venture to go to their 
farms under a pledge of protectiou from the military commander of the 
province — to whom I will not impute bad faith — were driven off by 
guerrillas. * * * At my suggestion several families returned to the 
American-owned "Central Santa Anna," the owner having been forced 
to abandon the property in order to prevent further spoliation of the 
mill machinery. Although a Government guard is stationed on the 
place, they (former tenants) were ordered to leave. 

Application was made to the military commander * * * for 
authority to return unmolested, which was refused. 

Over two months since, two of our citizens notified me they had dis- 
covered in possession of the local guerrillas ten or twelve head of their 
horses, seized by said guerrillas. I addressed the military commander 
of Sagua, * * * asking, upon proof of ownership, their stock to 
be restored. Nothing has been done; while these American citizens — 
both in affluence at the breaking out of the rebellion — are to-day depend- 
ent on charity. 

One sugar mill is running, not without interruption, with chances of 
making one-fourth of a crop. Another— just started up — was attacked 
yesterday by a band of insurgents, killing 14 and wounding 5 of the 
guerrillas paid by the estate to protect the operatives. Seven laborers 
were killed, the insurgents leaving two of their dead. 

An adjoining estate, the property of the British consul, was also 



54 CUBAN CORRESPONDENT I . 

ill tacked, the growing cane burned. This precludes farther attempts 
to grind, as men can not be induced to work while the insurgents roam 

;it will over the country. 

I am, etc., W.w/i kk B. BARKER, 

Consul. 



Mr. Barker to Mr. Day. 

No. 288. Consulate of the United States, 

Sagua la Grande, February 17, 1898. 
Sn; : 1 beg to submit the following: 

It is proper that 1 inform the Department that the ravage of small- 
pox has reached a point where the physicians, few in number, without 
proper means of treating, as well as no nurses, can not cope with it. I 
have cabled our dispatch agent in New York for an additional supply 
of virus. 

I was informed by the mayor of this city only yesterday that he was 
just in receipt of a communication from the government of the province 
stating no funds to feed the starving were obtainable. In reply to my 
query why he did not send a number of them to the country, he stated 
that the military commander refused to grant this permission. 
I am, etc., 

Walter B. Barker, 

Consul. 



Mr. Barker to Mr. Day. 

No. 204.] Consulate of the United States, 

Sagua l« Grande, March 12, 1898. 

Sir: With reference to the distribution to and requirement for the 
concentrados in my consular district, I beg to submit the following for 
the information of the Department: 

From the 15th of last month, through cash donations made to this 
consulate, direct, through personal appeal, 1 cared for 1,201) persons. 
By the 1st instant these contributions increased so as to enable the 
committee to increase the relief list to 2,000. This has been maintained 
until now; but as the Fern, with 35 tons, should arrive to-morrow, the 
Sagua relief can be continued. 

About a week since 1 received the first shipment of supplies, about 
twenty tons being sent from Havana under direction of the Red Cross 
branch in that city. All this 1 distributed among ten of the twenty- 
two towns I had managed to investigate, using none for Sagua; 
there being live others not yet looked into out of the twenty-seven 
cities and towns in my zone. 1 believe that with the assistance of a 
very aide local committee, that I have this relief reduced to a kind of 
system so as to avoid as little abuse as possible, and at the same time 
care for the most deserving. 

For instance, about sixty days ago, the mayors of these towns fur- 
nished, by request, this office with the number they claimed as actually 
destitute in their several municipal districts, which footed up over 
60,000 persons. Estimating a decrease from death of 10,000, would 
leave, say 40,000. 



CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 55 

From the investigation so far made, I estimate if provision can be 
made to care for 25.000, whatever may be left will manage to survive. 

Upon this estimate I beg to say that to keep this number alive will 
require 80 tons per month. 

With the supplies reported in transit we can carry them through 
until the 12th of the coming mouth (April). 

While, as stated in a very receut dispatch to the Department, the 
military have thrown every conceivable obstacle in the way of carrying 
out this humane work, I have, when convinced of their sincerity, acted 
in conjunction with the civil authorities. 

Of the 5,000 utterly destitute in this city, the mayor, by popular 
subscription, has made an effort to issue a scant ration of rice and 
beans to about one-third of this number. Yesterday he called to say 
that he had a telegram from the acting Spanish minister in Washing- 
ton, suggesting that he offer to aid me in the distribution of the sup- 
plies being sent from the United States; that he had no funds with 
which to do anything. 

Being a good active man, I gladly accepted the offer of his services. 

It is with pleasure that I say to the Department that Senor Leonardo 
Chia, "adininistrador" of the Sagua, as also the "administradores" of 
the Santa Clara and Oienfuegos railroads, have not only transported 
free the supplies for the reconceutrados, but have used extra effort to 
have them reach destination in due time. 

I am, etc., Walter B. Barker, 

Consul. 



^^r. Barker to Mr. Day. 

No. 295.] Consulate of the United States, 

Sagua la Grande, March 14, 1898. 
Sir: The inclosed letter from Mr. Valle,* of Sancti Espiritus, whom 
I have every reason to believe will not misrepresent the case, together 
with the fact that in other places I find I have underestimated the 
number in my jurisdiction in need of relief. It is therefore that I beg 
to increase the amount required, as stated in my No. 291, of the 12th 
instant, from 80 to 100 tons per month. 

I am, etc., Walter B. Barker, 

Consul. 



[Telegram.] 

Mr. Barker to Mr. Day. 

Sagua la Grande, March 24, 1898. 
Day, Washington: 

Closer investigation disclose larger number destitute than estimates 
sent. Fifty tons needful now. Distress far greater than my reports 
show. 

Barker, Consul. 

* Letter referred to implores medicines and provisions. 



56 



CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 



Mr. Barker to Mr. Dai/. 

No. 297.] Consulate of the United States, 

8agua La Grande, March 21, 1898. (Received March 30.) 

See: I have t he honor to say thai since forwarding my No. 294 of the 
12th instant, wherein I gave tin- Department approximately the amount 
of food required for my /.one per month, I find many outlying — interior — 
villages, of which I had no account, neglected and in great want. To 
this very class, located in the interior towns, I have giveu special atten- 
tion, but it has been impossible to care for all immediately. For instance, 
the relief committee to whom supplies were sent in Santa Clara, seat of 
government of the province, inform me to-day that in a small town 
near there arc ."><><> persons in pressing need. To-day 1 wired Mr. Louis 
Klopsch, of the Christian Herald and Central Cuban Belief Committee, 
who is now in Havana, that 20 tons additional required till 1st proximo, 
and to know if he could supply this. As yet no reply has been received. 
A very large proportion of these poor creatures being actually ill, other 
medicine than quinine is required, as also medicinal wines and nourish- 
ing food for them. 

I beg to inclose herewith a list of towns to which I have and am send- 
ing supplies. There are perhaps six to eight more requiring relief. 

In this, Sagna la Grande, the number on the relief list exceeds 4,000. 
The authorities have given up, turning over to my committee their 
"kitchen," which is being run by them, as is also the "dispensary" for 
sick children. 

The committee inform me since beginning the relief the death rate 
has fallen from 25 to 30 as low as 4 to 7 per day. 



T am, sir, your obedient servant, 



Walter B. Barker, 

Consul. 



,\ Qclosnre No. 207.] 
/ isi of cities and t<>ir>is being supplied from the consul at Sagiui la Grande. 



Sagua la ( ; ramie. 
Santa < llara. 

Santi Spirit us. 

San .Juan <lc los kViiirdios. 

Esperanza. 

( Iruces. 

Santo I >omingo. 

Encrncijada. 

Calabazar. 

C'i fuent is. 

Sitio Grande. 



Sitiecito. 

Rodrigo. 

Rancbo Veloz. 

Carahatas. 

Ynrltas. 

Vega Alta. 

Vega <ld I'alnia. 

Mata. 

Quinta. 

Yiana. 

Jicotea. 



Santo. 

Camajnani. 

Caibarien. 

Saguajay. 

Seibabo. 

Quern ado de ( rnines. 

( iaguagnas. 

Esabela. 

Victoria. 

San Diego del Valle. 

Lajas. 



Mr. Barker to Mr. Day. 

No. 299.] ( 'ONSULATE OF UNITED STATES, 

Sagua la Grande, March 24, 1898. 
Sir: I visited seat of government of this province, Santa Clara, 
where I learned, not alone from trustworthy persons sent out by me for 
the purpose, but also the civil governor, that the number of persons in 



CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 57 

actual want exceeds any estimate I have sent the Department. The 
distress is simply heartrending. Whole families without clothing to 
hide nakedness, sleeping on the bare ground, without bedding of any 
kind, without food, save to such as we have been able to reach with 
provisions sent by our noble people; and the most distressing feature 
is that fully 50 per cent are ill, without medical attention or medicine. 

If $5,000 could be telegraphed to our honorable consul-general at 
Havana, blankets, cots, and medicine could be purchased here in the 
several towns adjacent, and save thousands who must die if to await 
their being sent from the United States. I have found the civil gov- 
ernor willing to lend every aid in his power; but he admits he can do 
nothing but assist with his civil officers in expediting relief sent by the 
United States. The military obstruct in every way possible. 

* * * The Department will bear in mind the towns I am trying to 
reach with relief will number over forty. 

I am, etc., Walter B. Barker, 

Consul. 



[Gazette of Madrid, Friday. November 26, 1897.] 

Official. — Presidency of the Council of Ministers, 
statement. 

Madam : At the time when an autonomic constitution is given to the islands of 
Cuba and Porto Rico, which intrusts to their own initiative the management and gov- 
ernment of their local interests, it is of paramount importance to strengthen 
constitutional unity, as the staunchest basis on which the integrity of our territory 
rests. 

This aim of all the liberal parties, recognized in principle by the decree of April 2, 
1881, has, however, failed of accomplishment in the form to which the people of the 
Antilles are entitled. They frequently complain of and deplore irritating inequali- 
ties which are of themselves sufficient to hamper, if not totally to preclude, the 
enjoyment of constitutional liberty. Indeed, these liberties, as they are disclosed in 
the fundamental code, consist of declarations of rights and guarantees that are sub- 
sequently sanctioned and developed in a series of organic laws, complements of the 
constitution, as provided in its fourteenth article, which devolves on special laws 
"the rules which must secure to the Spaniards reciprocal respect for the rights 
herein granted, and at the same time determine the civil responsibility and the pen- 
alty to which officers of all classes who infringe the rights set forth in Title I must 
be held liable. 

It follows that if, through arbitrary provisions for which no remedy exists, through 
penalties imposed in the orders of governors-general, or through the omissions of 
laws of procedure, the citizen may be restrained, molested, or even deported to dis- 
tant parts of the territory, he finds it impossible to exercise his right to speak, 
think, and write, or to enjoy freedom of teaching and religious toleration, or to 
avail himself of the right of meeting and associating. 

And yet the whole foundation of modern law rests on the regular and orderly 
exercise of these rights; therefore, wherever it is limited equality before the law 
ceases and with it constitutional unity. Then arise these perverted feelings which 
are carried to the extent of attacking the integrity of the territory. The geograph- 
ical bond with all its attractions and allurements can not cause that other aspiration 
to be forgotten, which, while it grows out of the same human instinct, is deeper and 
more essential. 

It is therefore good policy, at all events it is an act of strict justice, to do all 
that is in the power of the Government, to the end that the Constitution be at once 
extended in its entirety to the territory of the Antilles, that every vestige of in- 
equality may be removed, and that our legislation be thoroughly revised, so that 
there can be no Spaniard who, through confusion or error, may lack the protection 
of the law. 

This is certainly the intent of article 89 of the constitution. The provision by which 
it leaves to the discretion of the governments the time and manner in which the laws 
are to be applied to the islands of Cuba and Puerto Rico does more than grant the 
authority ; it imposes on the Government the duty to publish this decree at the very 



58 CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 

time when it submits to your majesty the other measure which is about to give to 
our brethren in the Antilles — the right to govern themselves. The lull value of that 
measure would not be appreciated i£ suspicion and distrust, closely followed by 
arbitrariness, should prevail in 1 1 > « • regions of the Central Power. 

I aasmuch as we, in the peninsula, have come to the belief that all executive func- 
tions can be discharged within the constitution of the State and under the laws 
enacted for its execution; inasmuch as instances of resort to force, against which, 
however, the law of public order is deemed adequate, are not lacking here, we 
should show ourselves to be illogical, and, consequently, lose the authority requisite 
for forceful government, if we did not proclaim, as the foremost and most signifi- 
cant ]>arl of the transformation effected in our colonial regime, that constitutional 
unity which is the bond that unites all Spaniards, and under which the free local 
government of those valued territories will restore confidence in the mother coun- 
try, and thus will unmistakable evidence be given of the sincerity with which she 
seeks to render her sovereignty beloved. 

Resting mi the foregoing reasons, the Government has the honor to submit the 
appended draft of a decree to your majesty's approval. 

At the royal feet of your majesty. 

Praxedbs Mated Sagasta. 

Madrid, November 25, 1S97. 



Royal Decree. 

In accordance with the opinion of my council of ministers and by virtue of the 
authority conferred on my Government by article 89 of the constitution, in the name 
of My August >on, King Alfonso XIII, aud as Queen Regent of the Kingdom, I 
hereby decree as follows : 

Article 1. The Spaniards residing in the Antilles shall enjoy, on equal terms 
with the residents of the peninsula, the rights granted in Title I of the constitution 
of the Monarchy and the guarantees whereby their exercise is secured by the laws 
of the Kingdom. 

To this end, and conformably to article 89 of the constitution, the laws by which 
its provisions are supplemented, and especially that of criminal prosecution' that of 
compulsory expropriation, that of public instruction, that of the press, and of meet- 
ing and association, and the code of military justice, shall go into full effect in the 
islands of Cuba and Puerto Rico, so that article 1-1 of the constitution may be exe- 
cuted in its entirety. 

Art. 2. In time of war the law of public order shall be enforced in the Antilles 
with the limitation and in the manner prescribed in article 17 of the constitution. 

Art. 3. The ministry of the colonies, after hearing the council of state, shall revise 
the legislation of the Antilles and the proclamations published by the Governors- 
General since the promulgation of the constitution, and shall thereafter publish 
the results of such revision, to the end that henceforth there may be neither on the 
part of the executive, nor on that of the judiciary, any possibility, through error 
or neglect, either of citing or enforcing provisions that are at variance with the let- 
ter or spirit of the constitution of the Spanish Monarchy. 

Maria Cristina. 

The president of the council of ministers : 

Praxedes Mateo Sagasta. 

Done at the Palace, November 25, 1897. 



STATEMENT. 

Madam: The complement of the decree that places tho Spaniards on an equal foot- 
ing as regards the use and enjoyment of their constitutional rights and the indis- 
pensable preparation for the organization of local government in the Antilles is the 
enforcement in those territories of the law of electoral suffrage that is in force in 
the Peninsula. 

To etieet this the Government might have confined itself to the reproduction, pure 
and simple, of that law: but the difficulty of so doing will be apparent when it is 
remembered that in order to give the greatest security to the electoral ri^ht the 
Cortes of the Kingdom, proceeding with forethought and in their desire to avoid 
impairing, through seemingly unimportant reglementary provisions, rights that have 
much \ al lie in public life, sought to include in the law even the last and most minute 
regulations that govern its execution. 

For this purpose there are in it two kinds of provisions — one that comprises the 



CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 59 

definition of the right and the guarantee of the casting of the vote, the other that 
establishes the conditions, so to speak, preparatory to those purposes. Hence the 
necessity of discriminating between these two parts of the law. 

The first undoubtedly possesses a character that yields in importance to constitu- 
tional provisions only, and therefore it must, like these, protect itself from the 
changes and modifications to which legislation is frequently exposed. 

It merely behooves the Government to say that since we have considered it good 
and proper for the Peninsula, it is an obligation that can not be evaded, to extend it 
and apply it to our colonies. 

The same is not the case, however, as regards the mode of procedure. 

So far as it possesses that character in the exercise of suffrage, in the taking of 
the census, in the manner of casting the vote, in the preliminaries of the election, in 
the organization of the colleges, even in the qualifications of the electors, there are 
such different points of view, according to the traditions, the geography, and the 
component parts of a people, that it would be more than illogical, nay, would lead 
to a result diametrically opposed to that which is had in view, to shape the electoral 
procedure of the Antilles in the peninsular mold, especially when the creation of 
self-government and of parliamentary organisms that are to be the expression of the 
will of the people demand that the regulation of what relates to the exercise and 
security of the electoral right be intrusted to them. 

In view of these weighty considerations, the Government has thought that after 
separating all that refers to the definition and recognition of the right of suffrage 
from what might be called the constitution of the islands of Cuba and Puerto Rico, 
in order that, in any case, it may be modified by a law, it ought to intrust all the 
regulations, which will be many in number and complicated in their development, 
to the insular Parliament, feeling certain that no one possesses to a greater extent 
the conditions necessary for success in adapting them to the habits and character of 
the population. 

The flexibility thus acquired by the electoral procedure will undoubtedly enable it 
to identify itself with the conditions of those inhabitants, and to render the exercise 
of suffrage practical and fruitful, as no one can have more interest in its success 
than those who are to be governed by it. 

On the basis of these considerations, the Government has the honor to submit to 
the approval of your majesty the accompanying draft of a decree. 

At your majesty's royal feet. 

Praxedes Mateo Sagasta. 

Madrid, November 25, 1897. 



Royal Decree. 

In accordance with the opinion of my council of ministers, and in virtue of the 
power conferred upon my Government by article 89 of the constitution of the mon- 
archy, in the name of my august son, King Alfonso XIII, and as Queen Regent of 
the Kingdom, I decree as follows : 

Article I. The electoral law of June 26, 1890, shall be promulgated and observed 
in the islands of Cuba and Porto Rico, with the modifications that have been intro- 
duced in the text that follows this decree, with a view to its adaptation to the 
conditions of those territories. 

Art. II. The regulations and other necessary provisions for the execution of the 
present decree, which the Government shall before the Cortes, shall be pre- 

pared by the ministry of the colonies. 

Maria Cristina. 

The president of the council of ministers: 

Praxedes Mateo Sagasta. 

Done at the Palace this 25th day of November, 1897. 



Adaptation of the Electoral Law of June 26, 1890, to the islands of Cuba and Porto Eico. 

TITLE I.— General Provisions for Elections. 

Chapter I. — Of the right to vote. 

Article 1. All male Spaniards over 25 years of age that shall be in the full enjoy- 
ment of their civil rights, and inhabitants of a municipal district in which they 
shall have resided at least two years, shall be voters in the islands of Cuba and 
Porto Rico. 



60 CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 

Sold ins and Bailors serving in tlie army or navy anal] not lie allowed to vote while 
so serving. 

The same suspension is ordered as regards those Berving under similar circum- 
stances in other armed bodies depending on the Mate province, or municipality. 

Art. II. The following persons shall not be voters: 

(1) Those who by an unappealable sentence have been condemned to perpetual 
deprivation of political rights and public oilices, although they may have been par- 
doned, unless they have previously obtained personal rehabilitation hy means of a 
law. 

(2) Those who. by an unappealable sentence, have been condemned to imprison- 
ment, unless they have obtained rehabilitation at least two years before their enroll- 
ment in t he census. 

Those who, having been condemned to other penalties by an unappealable 
sentence, shall not furnish evidence that they have served out those penalties. 

( I i Bankrupts, not rehabilitated according to law, and who do not furnish docu- 
mentary evidence thai they have met all their obligations. 

(5) Debtors to public funds as second tax payers. 

(6) Those who are inmates of charitable institutions, or who are administratively 
authorized, at their request, to ask for public charity. 

Chapter II. — Of the electoral census. 

Aim. ::. In order to exercise the right of suffrage, it is necessary that the person be 
inscribed in the electoral census; that is to say, the register containing the names 
and the paternal and maternal surnames, where they exist, of the Spanish citizens 
who have a right to vote. 

The census is permanent, and shall be amended only by the annual revision. 

Art. 4. The taking, revision, custody, and inspection of the census shall be under 
the charge, in accordance with their respective powers, of the central board estab- 
lished by the law of .June 2(i, 1890, concerning provincial boards and of municipal 
boards, which shall be styled the electoral census boards. 

The provincial boards shall sit in the capitals of each province, and the municipal 
boards shall sit in each municipality. They shall all be of a permanent character. 

The provincial boards shall be presided over by the judges of tho superior court 
(audencia) of such province as may lie designated by the president of the superior 
district court to which that audencia belongs; and the municipal boards (shall be 
presided over) b\ the judges of first instance, or, in their absence, by public otbeers 
selected for that purpose by the president of the snperior court of the province. 

The number of the members of the provincial boards shall be fifteen, and the pres- 
ence of nine members shall be requisite for deliberation or tor taking action. 

The following persons shall be members of the provincial hoards: 

(1) The president and the vice-president of the deputation concerned. 

(2) The senior ex-president of the same deputation residing in the province 

(3) Four taxpayers chosen by lot from among those paying the first assessment of 
the land tax, w ho are residents of the province. 

(1) Four taxpayers chosen bj lot from among those paying the first assessment of 
the industrial tax, who are residents of tho province. 

(5) Four residents of the province, furnishing proof by means of official docu- 
ments, of their professional or academic character. 

The substitutes for the taxpayers shall be eight persons residing in the province 
and paying the largest assessments of the land tax. and eight persons residing in the 
province and paying the largest assessments of the industrial tax, and the substi- 
tutes of the residents having official titles shall be persons possessing the same 
qualifications as are required of them. They shall all l>e chosen by lot. 

The choice by lot of I be taxpayers, professional men and their substitutes shall be 
made publicly before the. superior court of each province by the presiding judge of 
that court . 

The following persons shall i>c members of the municipal boards: 

(1) The alcalde (mayor) and the syndic of the city council. 

(2) I'iie municipal judge and the municipal attorney. 

(3) I .\ alcaldes residing in the municipal district. 

(4) Four of the chief payers of the land tax, and four of tho chief payers of the 
industrial tax, residing in the municipal district. 

5 i Four residents of the municipal district, furnishing proof, by means of official 
doci nts, of their professional or academic character. 

The taxpayers and professional men shall be chosen by lot by the president of the 
municipal hoard, at a public meeting, before the city council, in the manner pre- 
scribed for the provincial hoards. 

The substitutes shall be chosen at the same time anil in the same manner. 



CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 61 

The municipal boards shall not deliberate nor take any action unless at least 
twelve members are present. 

The clerks of the superior courts shall be the secretaries of the provincial boards, 
and the clerks of the courts of first instance, or, in their absence, the clerks of the 
municipal courts, shall be the secretaries of the municipal boards. 

The secretaries shall have neither a voice nor a vote, and shall be assisted by the 
employees of the respective secretariats. 

The respective presidents shall convene the members and such substitutes as they 
may deem necessary for all the sessions the boards may hold. If, in spite of this, a 
sufficient number are not present, the session shall be held on the following day, 
after the substitutes residing in the capital have been summoned, in addition to the 
members present. 

Chapter III. — Of voting. 

Art. 5. In every electoral precinct there shall be a board charged with the super- 
vision of the voting, consisting of a president and the supervisors (interventores) 
appointed by the census board and by the candidates who have a right to nominate 
them, and who make use of that right. 

This census board shall be the provincial board in the case of elections of deputies 
to the Cortes and of representatives or provincial deputies to the Cortes, and of rep- 
resentatives, and the municipal board when an election of councilmen (coucejales) 
is to be held. 

Art. 6. In every summons for a general or partial election a single day shall be 
designated for the voting, which day shall always be Sunday. 

The voting shall take place simultaneously iu all the precincts on the day fixed, 
beginning punctually at 8 o'clock in the morning and continuing uninterruptedly 
until 4 o'clock in the afternoon, when it shall be declared finally closed, and the 
counting of the votes shall begin. 

Art. 7. The voting shall be secret, by ballot, and shall be conducted in the man- 
ner prescribed by the regulations. 

Art. 8. There shall in no case be an armed force at the door of the electoral col- 
lege, nor shall any such force enter it, except in the case of disturbance of the public 
peace and upon the requisition of the President. 

TITLE II. — Special Provisions for the Elections. 
Chapter I. — Of the election of senator*. 

Art. 9. Spaniards possessing the qualifications required by article 22 of the con- 
stitution of the monarchy, are eligible to the office of senator, provided they are not 
included in any of the cases of disability or incompatibility fixed by law. 

Art. 10. Elections of senators shall be held in accordance with the provisions of 
the laws of February 8, 1877, and of January — , 1879. 

The senators, after they have been admitted by the senate, represent the nation 
individually and collectively. 

Chapter II. — Of the election of deputies to the Cortes. 

Art. 11. All male Spauiards of the secular order, not less than 25 years of age, in 
the enjoyment of all civil rights, are eligible to the office of deputy to the Cortes, 
provided they are not included in any of the cases of disability or incompatibility 
fixed bylaw. 

Art. 12. The deputies to the Cortes shall be elected directly by the electors of the 
electoral districts, subject to this law and the regulations; but after tbey have been 
elected, and admitted by Congress, they represent the nation individually and 
collectively. 

Art. 13. Those provisions of the electoral law of the peninsula of June 26, 1890, 
which relate specially to the election of deputies to the Cortes and the discharge of 
their duties, apply to the deputies to the Cortes from the islands of Cuba and Puerto 
Rico. Hence, the articles in question are inserted as an appendix to the present law, 
n the form in which they are to be observed in accordance with this law. 

Chapter III. — Of the election of counselors of administration, representatives, provin- 
cial deputies, and councilmen. 

Art. 14. Those Spaniards may be counsellors of administration and representa- 
tives who possess the qualifications required for those offices by the constitution of 
the islands of Cuba and Porto Rico. 



62 CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 

Aim. 15, Spaniards having the qualifications required for deputies to the Cortes, 
and who are natives of the province, or who have resided four years consecutively 
in the province, maj be provincial deputies. 

Aim. HI. Those electors may lie elected members of ayuataniientos (couucilmen) 
in municipal districts containing not mure than 100 inhabitants, who, iu addition to 
having resided at least four years in I he municipality, pay a direct tax Included in 
the first t wo-thirds of t he local Lists of persons paying a land tax, and an industrial 
and commercial Bubsidy, and in municipal districts containing less than 1,000 and 
more than 100 inhabitants, those paying taxes included in the tirst four-liftbs f the 
said lists. In municipal districts containing not more than 400 inhabitants all 
the doctors shall be eligible. 

All those paying a tax equal to the lowest tax required to he paid in each munici- 
pal district in order to he eligible under the preceding paragraph shall likewise be 
included in the number of eligibles. 

Those residents who p;iy any assessment of tax and furnish proof by means of offi- 
cial documents of their professional or academic character shall likewise he eligible. 

Those persons who furnish proof that they are, subjected to a rebate (reduction,) in 
the incomes which they derive from general, provincial, or municipal funds shall 
likewise lie eligible, provided the amount of the rebate is included in the qualifica- 
tion (proporcion) previously fixed for eligibles in towns of 1,000 and 400 inhabitants, 
respectively. 

The assessment (tax) shall he calculated by adding together the taxes paid by the 
taxpayers, in and outside of the town, as a direct tax and for municipal taxes 
(charges). In calculating the taxes of the electors and the eligibles the Following 
property shall be considered as theirs: Iu the case of husbands, the property of their 
wives, so long as the conjugal relationship exists; in the case of fathers, such prop- 
erty of their children as they administer legally; in the case of sons, their own prop- 
erty, the usufruct of which they do not enjoy for any reason. 

Akt. 17. Those persons who are included in any of the cases of disability or incom- 
patibility established by the respective laws can not be elected to any of the oftices 
mentioned in the three preceding articles. 

Akt. is. Those persons designated in article 25 of the electoral law of the penin- 
sula relating to senators shall be electors of counselors of administration. The 
provisions of chapter 4 of that law shall be applied to the drawing up of the lists of 
tdectors and to the election of the counselors of administration in the manner pre- 
scribed by the regulations. 

Akt. 19. In the districts in which one representative, one provincial deputy, or 
one councilman (concejal) is to be elected no elector can legally give his vote to 
more than one person; when more than one, up to four, are to be elected, each elec- 
tor shall have the right to vote for one less than the number of those who are to be 
elected in his own district; for two less (than the number of those who are to be 
elected) if more than four are to be elected, and for three less when more than 
eight are to be elected. 

The other provisions relative to electoral procedure shall be such as are enacted 
in the respective organic laws and in the regulations. 

TITLE III. — Penal Sanction. 
Chapter I. — Of offenses. 

Akt. 20. Any forgery of documents relating to the provisions of this law, in any of 
the ways mentioned in article 310 of the penal code of Cuba and Porto Rico, shall 
constitute the crime of forgery in electorial matters, which shall he punished with 
the penalties provided in the said article, or in the following article, according to 
the status of the persons who are responsible. 

Any intentional omission in the documents referred to in the preceding paragraph 
which may affect the result of the election shall constitute a similar offense, and 
shall lie punished with the same penalties. 

Am. 21. The courts shall, neverthelesss, lessen the penalties one or two degrees, 
imposing them upon such person as they may think proper, according to the spec i al 
circumstances of the case, the scandal or alarm that- it has occasioned, and whenever 
there shall appear to he no connection with other offenses made punishable by the 

code. 

Art. 22. For the purposes of this law, the census and authorized copies thereof, 
records, lis's, certificates, and whatever may emanate from the person who is 
intrusted by law with the execution thereof, the object of which is to facilitate or 
insure the exercise of the electoral right or its result, or to guarantee the regularity 
of the procedure, shall be considered official documents. 

ART. 23. The penalties of imprisonment and of a fine of from 500 to 5,000 pesetas, 
when the general provisions of the penal code do not fix a higher penalty, shall be 



CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 63 

imposed upon public officers who, by failing to faithfully and strictly fulfill the obli- 
gations imposed by this law or by the provisions that may be adopted for its execu- 
tion, are accessory to any of the following acts or omissions : 

(1) To any failure to prepare with accuracy the lists of electors, whether prelim- 
inary or definitive, or to exhibit the same publicly during the proper time and in the 
proper place. 

(2) To any alteration ot the day, hour, or place in which any public business is 
to be done, or to the method of its designations leading to error. 

(3) To any fraudulent manipulations in matters relating to the preparation of the 
census, the organization of electoral boards or colleges, the voting, the resolutions 
or ballotiugs, and the nomination of candidates. 

(4) To the impioper and inaccurate preparation of records or documents relating 
to the election, or to their not being signed in the proper manner by all who should 
do so, or to the proper dispositions not being made of electoral records or documents. 

(5) To changing or altering in the ballot which the elector deposits in the exercise 
of his right, or to its being hidden from public view before it is deposited in the box. 

(6) To the placing of impediment or difficulty in the way of electors, candidates, 
or notaries in the examination of the box before voting begins, and, when the ballots 
are examined, in the examination of the ballots taken from the box. 

(7) To the preparation of an intentionally inaccurate list, such as to obscure the 
truth of the names of the voters at any election. 

(8) To an inaccurate counting of votes in resolutions relative to the taking or 
rectification of the census, or to electoral matters, and also to the inaccurate reading 
of ballots. 

(9) To violating the secrecy of the vote or of the election with a view to influ- 
encing its results. 

(10) To the issuance of an unlawful proclamation against any person. 

(11) To the making of untrue statements in the verbal declaration that is to be 
made on the occasion of an election, or to the prevention or impeding in any way 
of a proper knowledge of the truth concerning the election. 

(12) To the postponement of any election without grave and sufficient cause. 
Art. 24. Private individuals who are directly accessory to the commission of any 

of the offenses enumerated in the preceding article shall be punished with the pen- 
alty of imprisonment in its minimum degree when the penal code does not impose a 
more serious penalty on those who are guilty of commission or omission. 

Art. 25. Every act, omission, or manifestation contrary to this law or to the gen- 
eral provisions adopted for its execution that is not included in the foregoing articles 
and whose object is to restrain or exert pressure upon electors, to induce them to 
exercise their right, or to relinquish it against their will, shall constitute the crime 
of coercing voters, and if there is no more serious penalty provided for it in the 
penal code, it shall be punished by a fine of from 125 to 2,500 pesetas. 

Art. 26. The following persons shall also be considered as committing the crime 
of coercing voters, although the intention of restraining or exerting pressure upon 
the electors may not be obvious or apparent, and shall accordingly be subject to the 
penalties prescribed in the foregoing article: 

(1) Civil, military, or eclesiastical authorities who advise or recommend voters to 
give or refuse their vote to a determinate person, and those who by the use of official 
means or agents, or the authorization of stamps, envelopes, seals, or notes that may 
have that character, recommend or advise against certain candidates. 

(2) Public officers who promote or take part in the issue of Government records 
relating to denunciations, fines, arrears of accounts, lands, forests, granaries, or any 
other branch of the administration from the time when notice is given until the 
election is terminated. 

(3) Officers, from the minister of the Crown down, who make appointments, 
removals, transfers, or suspensions of employees, agents, or clerks in any branch of 
the general, provincial, or municipal administration in the period between the giv- 
ing of notice and the termination of the general balloting, when such acts are not 
based on legitimate reasons and affect in any way the precinct, college, district, 
judicial circuit, or province in which the election is held. 

The cause of the removal, transfer, or suspension shall be accurately stated in the 
order, which shall be published in the Gazette of Madrid or in those of Havana or 
Puerto Rico, if it emanates from the central administration, and in the official bulle- 
tin of the respective province, if it emanates from the provincial or municipal admin- 
istration. If these formalities are omitted it shall be considered as having been 
made without cause. 

Royal decrees or orders relating to the civil governors of the provinces and to 
military officers shall be excepted from the above requirements. Removals, trans- 
fers, or suspensions decided upon, but of which the interested parties have not been 
notified before the electoral period, can not be made during said period, except in 
the exceptional cases and in the exceptional manner specified in this number. 



C-l CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 

Am . 27. The follow i 1 i^c persons shall be liable to the penalties provided in article 
25, unless more serious ones are iin|><>s<'il by the penal code: 

1 1 ) Those who, by means <>f a promise, present, or remuneration, Bolicit, directly 
or indirectly, 1 1 » « - \ ote of anj elector in fas or of oi againsl any candidate. 

(2) Those who incite voters to intoxication in order to obtain or secure their 
adhesion. 

(3) Any person who votes twice or more times at an election, w ho takes anothei 
name in order to Vote, or who votes when incapacitated or v hen his exercise of such 
righl is suspended. 

t 1 1 Whoever knowingly consents, without a protest, when he might make one, to 
the casting of a vote in the cases mentioned in the foregoing number. 

\\ boever prevents or delays the admission, attention to and decision concern- 
ing protests or complaints of voters, or who does not afford protection to those who 

make them. 

(6) Whoever omits the announcements and notifications required by law, or who 
docs not issue or cause to be issued, as speedily as the law directs, a certificate of 
election when application is made therefor, 

(7) Whoever in any other, not provided for in this law, impedes or molests an 
elector in the exercise of his rights or the performance of his duty. 

(8) Whoever maliciously raises or maintains, without good reason, doubts in 
egard t<> the identity of a person or the legality of his rights. 

Aim. L'S. Public officers who cause a voter to leave his domicile or residence, or 
remain away from the same, even under pretext of the requirements of the public 
Bervice, on the day of the election, or on a day in which he may he able and may 
desire to vote; or those who detain him, depriving him in similar case of his liberty, 
shall he liable, besides the penalties mentioned in the second paragraph of article 210 
and in article 221 of the penal code, respectively, to the penalty ot absolute, perma- 
nent disqualification. 

ART. 2!». Those who impede or hinder the free entrance and exit of the voters to 
and from the place in which they are to exercise their right, their approach to the 
voting tables, the presence of notaries, candidates, or electors in the places in which 
the election is to take place, in such a way as to render it impossible or difficult for 
them to perform their duties or exereist their right, and to verify the regularity of 
such elections, shall be liable, if they are public officers, to the penalty of imprison- 
ment in its minimum degree and to a line of 500 to 2,500 pesetas; and if they are 
private individuals, to the penalty of imprisonment in its minimum degree, unless 
other and more severe penalties are provided by the penal code, in which case the 
Latter penalties shall bo enforced. 

Art. 30. Public officers who do not deliver or who maliciously delay the delivery 
of documents requested by special commissioners shall be punished as being guilty 
of the misdemeanor of serious disobedience to the authorities, without prejudice to 
the disciplinary responsibility which they incur at the same time. 

ART. 31. < ►flenses provided for in the penal code, which are connected with mat- 
ters relating to elections, shall be punished when the special provisions of the pre- 
ceding articles are not applicable, with the penalties provided by the same code, 
and also with a line of from 125 to 1,250 pesetas, in case a penalty of this class is not 
applicable to them. 

ART. 32. The following penalties shall apply to all the offenses directly connected 
with the provisions of this law, whether they are provided by this or by another 
law : That of special disqualification, temporary or permanent, for the right of suf- 
frage, if the guilty person is a public officer, and that of suspension from the same 
right if he is a private individual. 

In the case of the repetition of an offense of this class the disqualification for pub- 
lic officers shall bo absolute for all time, and for private individuals shall be abso- 
lute for a temporary period, in addition to the penalties provided. 

Chaptkk II. — Of infractions. 

ART. 33. Any fail-ire to fulfill (he obligations and formalities which this law or the 
provisions that shall be adopted for its execution impose upon all persons who take 
part in an official capacity in electoral proceedings shall be punished by a fine of 
from 25 to 1,000 pesetas, in case it does not constitute a crime. 

Officers who, for any reason that can not be shown to lie one rendering it absolutely 
Impossible for them to do so, shall tail to perform any of tin' duties made incumbent 
upon them by this law or the regulations for its execution shall be required to pay 
t he fine for which provision is made above, the imposition of which shall be ordered 
by the census hoard before which the duty should have been performed, duo regard 
being had to t he provisions of art iele 42. 

The president of the provisional and municipal boards shall incur the same respon- 
sibility if, when they should receive one of the documents provided for in auy of the 



CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 65 

provisions of this law or of the regulations, they shall fail to order, on their own 
responsibility, that it be immediately collected by a special officer at the expense of 
the person whose duty it was to send it. 

Those who in such cases shall fail to notify the central board that they have per- 
formed this duty shall be punished in like manner. 

Art. 34. The following persons shall, moreover, be punished in the manner pro- 
vided by the foregoing article: 

(1) Those who are present at elections and who, in some way that does not con- 
stitute a crime, disturb order, or are lacking in proper respect. 

(2) Those who, not having a right to enter the electoral colleges or the ballot 
boards, shall not leave the place at the first intimation from the president. 

(3) Those who shall enter an electoral college, section, or board with arms, sticks, 
canes, or umbrellas, not being officers or not being physically impeded. 

(4) Notaries who, being about to perform the duties of their office, do not give 
previous notice of their intention to the presiding officer of the function. 

(5) Officers and individuals owing to whom the proper party fails to receive, 
within the time fixed and in the manner provided in the law, any communication, 
notice, instrument, or document that should be transmitted, without prejudice to 
the provisions of No. 1 of article 23. 

(6) Members of the census boards and their substitutes who, without just cause, 
shall fail to attend the sessions to which they shall have been summoned without 
furnishing a proper excuse. 

The following shall be deemed sufficient causes for not attending the sessions: 

(1) Absence from the place at which the sessions are held. 

(2) Important matters connected with the public service. 

(3) Matters connected with one's personal health or the health of one's family, or 
private business that can not be deferred. 

(4) Causes iu virtue of which the president or members of the central board fail to 
attend the meeting of that board. 

Chapter III. — Provisions common to the two foregoing chapters. 

Art. 35. For the purposes of this law the following persons shall be considered as 
public officers : Those appointed by the G-overntnent, aud those who, by virtue of 
their office, perform any duty connected with the elections, and also the president 
and members of the electoral census board, and the presidents and supervisors of 
the ballet bureaus and boards. 

Art. 36. The ordinary courts shall alone be competent to take cognizance of elec- 
toral offenses, whatever may be the personal status of the guilty parties. 

For the purposes of the provisions of this title it shall be understood that the 
offenses specially provided for in this law are electoral offenses, and also those which, 
being provided for in the penal code, relate to electoral matters properly so called. 

Art. 37. When any offense shall be committed in the college or electoral board 
the president shall order the arrest of the presumptive criminals, and shall place 
them at the disposal of the judicial authorities. 

A penal action growing out of offenses specially electoral shall be public and, 
may be brought for even two months after the expiration of the term of the office 
conferred by the election. 

For the bringing of such action no deposit or security shall be required. 

Judges and courts shall proceed according to the rales governing criminal trials. 

Art. 38. No authorization shall be required to bring any officer to trial. 

Cases in which, by a sentence from which there is no appeal, exemption shall be 
granted from responsibility for due obedience, shall be referred w ; thout delay to the 
court that is competent to take action against the person who gave the order which 
has been obeyed. The term referred to in the foregoing article shall remain in 
abeyance with respect to the magistrate or person obeyed from the time when pro- 
ceedings were first taken until the day on which the competent court shall have 
received the unappealable sentence in which shall be declared the exemption from 
responsibility of the person who has obeyed. 

When the magistrate who gave the order is a minister of the Crown, or when his 
responsibility shall have been shown in any manner, the court taking cognizance of 
the case shall refer it without delay to the Congress of Deputies, when the sentence 
in which exemption from responsibility is declared is unappealable or the antece- 
dents resulting therefrom indicate the responsibility of the minister. 

Art. 39. The general aud special provisions of the penal code shall in all cases be 
applicable to the offenses provided for in this law, when said provisions have refer- 
ence to olfenses as having been consummated, frustrated, and tentative to participa- 
tion therein by the various persons who are the objects of the proceeding, to the 
circumstances modifying the responsibility, and to the consequent graduation and 
enforcement of the penalties. 

H. Doc. 406 5 



G6 CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 

Aim. U). The courl to which belongs the execution of unappealable decisions shall 
order their publication in the official bulletin of the province in which the <>i)'c-nse 
shall have been committed, and .-hall send a copy of that newspaper to the central 
board. 

A i: i . II. No attention shall be paid by the minister of the colonies (nor shall any 
report thereon be made by the court or the council of slate) to any application for 
pardon on account of electoral offenses, unless it shall previously appear that the 
petitioners Lave served at Least one-half of the time for which they were sentenced 
to personal penalties, and have paid the lull amount of the tines and costs. The 
authorities and members of corporations, whatever their statue maybe, who shall 
\ Lolate this provision l>y cauaing the petition for pardon to be laid before the King 
lor decision, shall incur the responsibility provided in article 369 of the penal code. 

The Government shall notify the central census board whenever a pardon is 
granted. 

A i.i. 42. The punishment for infractions shall belong: 

( 1 ) To the presidents of the function or session in which they are committed. 
- To the municipal or provincial census hoards in which they are connected, 
respectively; with the acts of which said boards or their presidents are to take 
cognizance. 

The municipal boards shall not, however, order any punishment in the case of 
superior hoards, but if they understand that the provincial hoard has committed 
any infraction, they shall immediately notify the central hoard, that it may reach a 
proper decision iii the matter. 

When the judges fail to send to the census hoards the documents which are neces- 
sary for the preparation or correction of the census, according to the regulations, 
said boards shall so inform the presiding judge of the proper superior court, that he 
may inflict the punishment, and shall send a report thereof to the central hoard. 

(3) To the central hoard, the rest. 

The imposition of lines shall take place in pursuance of a written decision in which 
the grounds therefor shall ho stated. Those imposed in pursuance of the provisions 
of paragraph 1 of this article or by the municipal hoard may he appealed from before 
the provincial board within two days following the notification, which hoard shall 
confine itself to affirming or annulling the decision. 

The rescissory decisions of the provincial board and those of that hoard in the 
exercise of its own powers maybe appealed from within the same term to the central 
board, which may increase, diminish, and approve, or remit the line within the limit 
of its powers. 

Art. 43. Presidents of electoral colleges or of boards for counting votes, muncipal 
hoards and the presidents thereof, shall not impose a line exceeding 100 pesetas 
(francs). 

Presidents of provincial boards, and those hoards, may impose a fine to the amount 

Of 50(» pesetas. 

The central board and its president may impose a line to the amount of 1,000 pesetas. 

Akt. 41. The payment of these lines shall he made in special paper which the 
department of public finance shall issue for (he purpose and shall deliver on account 
to the provincial deputations, collecting thereon a duty of 20 per cent of its value. 
The remainder of its value shall he paid into the proper provincial treasury. 

If, six days after the decision shall have been pronounced, the line shall not have 
been paid, compulsion shall he used for its collection. 

Incase the person fined is insolvent, he shall suffer imprisonment at the rate of 
one day for each 5 pesetas of the line, hut this term shall not exceed 1<> days when 
the tine shall have heen imposed by tlie municipal hoard, its president, or the presi- 
dent of the bureau; it shall not exceed lit) days if the fine shall have heen imposed 
by the provincial board, its president, <>r by the hoards for counting votes, and it 
shall qo1 exceed 30 days if the line shall have been imposed by the central board or 
its president. 

TRANSIENT PROVISIONS. 

first. Within the throe days following the publication of this law in the ga/ettes 

of Havana and Puerto Pico, a hoard shall he formed in each <> >f the capitals of 

the island, which shall he called the insular board for the electoral census. It shall 

be composed of the Governor-t teperal, who shall he its president ; of the go\ ernmental 
divisions of the superior courts of Havana and Puerto Rico, respectively; of two 
members, chosen by the( Sovernor-t Sonera! from among the most influential residents, to 

represent in tin hoard the political parties of the island, and of the secretary of tho 
general government, the latter to have the right of discussion, hut no vote, and he 
shall perform the duties of secretary. Moreover, the civil governor of Havana shall 
he a member of the insular hoard lor the electoral census of the Island of Cuba. 

The DOV 6E8 of | he.se hoards shall be: 

(1) To inspect and direct all services connected with the preparation and prcser- 
vat ion of the census. 



CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 67 

(2) To preserve the printed copies of the final lists which shall have been taken 
from the provincial registers. 

(3) To communicate, through tbo president, with all public authorities and 
officers. 

(4) To receive aud decide all complaints that are addressed to them. 

(5) To exercise disciplinary jurisdiction over all persons taking part, officially, in 
electoral operations, imposing fines to the amount of 1,000 pesetas, which, the case 
arising, shall be collected by their order, by judges of first instance. 

(6) To settle questions that may arise in connection with the execution of ibis 
law and its regulations, adapting the provisions of both to the condition of the island 
so as to secure independence and a genuine vote. 

The insular board of Cuba shall, moreover, issue such orders as it may think 
proper, for tbo holding of elections in those districts in which the state of the insur- 
rection shall not permit the taking of the electoral census in time, or to hold such 
elections according to the provisions of this law and the regulations for its execu- 
tion. For tbis purpose each of tbe districts in question shall appoint delegates who, 
together with seven of the largest taxpayers on agricultural and manufacturing 
property, and seven capacities (?) shall proceed to hold the election, according to 
such instruction as may be communicated to them by the insular board. 

Second. In execution of the provisions of article 4 of this law, before the 26th day 
of December next, the presiding judges of the superior courts shall appoint the mag- 
istrates who are to preside over the provincial electoral census boards, and the officers 
who are to preside over the municipal boards in those localities in which there are 
no judges of first instance. 

Third. In order that the elections may be held as speedily as possible, and the new 
political and administrative officers may perform their functions in the islands of 
Cuba and Puerto Pico, the following shall be the mode of procedure : 

On the 1st day of January, 1898, at 8 o'clock a. m., the president of the municipal 
electoral census board, having been appointed by the superior court of the province, 
shall proceed, in the hall of sessions of the municipal district, and in public session, 
to organize said municipal board in the manner provided in Art. 4 of this law. 

The alcalde shall then state the result of the last census, and shall deliver to the 
president of the board a duplicate list, in alphabetical order, and with correlative 
numbering of all the inhabitants above 25 years of ago whose names appear in said 
census, in which shall be stated their ages, residences, and occupations, and whether 
they aro able to read and write. All the sheets belonging to this list shall be 
signed by the alcalde and the secretary of the municipal board. 

The president on his own responsibility shall immediately cause one of the copies 
of this list to be posted in the usual place for municipal edicts and proclamations, 
and shall at the same time make known by a proclamation or through the crier 
that, on the 5th of the aforesaid month of .January, at 8 a. in., the municipal census 
board shall meet in public session in the hall of sessions of the municipal board. 

Before the said 5th day of January the judges of first instance shall send to the 
presidents of the respective municipal census boards a certified list of the judicial 
decisions which affect the electoral capacity of tbo inhabitants of each municipal 
district, and the municipal judges shall send a list, likewise certified, of the afore- 
said inhabitants who shall have died since the date of the last quinquennial census. 

On the 5th day of January, the municipal board shall organize, in public session, 
at the time and in tbe place aforesaid, aud the president shall lay on the table the 
list of residents prepared by the alcalde, the last census, and the certificates sent in 
by the judges. 

The board shall hear all representations that shall be made concerning enroll- 
ments, exclusions, and corrections. For claims with regard to enrollment it shall be 
sufficient to furnish evidence by means of two witnesses that the person whose 
enrollment in the list is desired possesses the requisites that are legally required to 
make him an elector. 

The public session being terminated, the junta shall proceed to the preparation of 
the following lists : 

1. A list of all the inhabitants who possess the right to vote, according to the 
census list. 

2. A list of those who have died since said list was prepared according to the data 
furnished by the respective municipal judges. 

3. A list of those who are disqualified. 

These lists shall be published as provided for in the first paragraph of this resolu- 
tiou, for the three following days, during which time an appeal may be taken to the 
provincial board. 

In the same session the municipal board shall order the division of the voters of 
the municipal district into sections if their number shall exceed 500, assigning to 
each section a number approximately equal, according to the conditions of each 
locality. 



68 CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 

This ha \ Lug been done, ;i copy shall be made in duplicate from the first lie! in alpha- 
betical order of the names of the voters of each municipal district] divided iutu sec- 
tions, ami these copies shall constitute the final lists. < >n the 9th of January oneof 
tin-in shall ho transmitted, together with a certificate of the order lor the division 

of the municipal district into sections, and of the complaints which have been pre- 
sented, to the provincial census board, which shall adopt such decisions as it may 
think proper, making the proper modifications for the case arising, and shall cause 
to '"• printed in the Uoletin the lists of the voters of the province before the 20th 
of January. 

A printed copj of the list for each municipal district, authorized by the president 
and secretary of the provincial board, shall be transmitted, certified, the leaves 
being all under seal, to the respective president of the municipal hoard, who shall 
inform the hoard, and who shall cause to be posted in a public place for three days, 
a copy of that document, which shall be placed in the archives. The president and 
secretary of the junta shall ho responsible for the absolute correctness of this copy. 

Similar copies shall also be transmitted by the president of the provisional hoard 
to the authorities that are declared by the regulations to be entitled to receive them. 

There shall be no appeal from the decisions adopted by the provincial boards in 
virtue of this temporary provision, excepting a complaint to the insular hoard. 

The day previous to that appointed for the lirst elections to be held alter the 
promulgation of this law the municipal census boards shall meet and order the 
enrollment in the electoral lists of those who have applied for it up to that date 
who have the testimony of two witnesses to show that they possess the conditions 
which this] aw requires in order that they may vote. 

Those enrolled by virtue of these orders or by the decisions of the insular board 
shall exercise their right in the section in which they are domiciled. 

Fourth. Until a new division shall have been made in the electoral districts for 
deputies to the Cortes in the territory of the islands of Cuba and Puerto Rico, the 
one now existing shall remain in force. 

The insular electoral census hoards shall divide the territory of the islands into 
districts and sections for the election of representatives, pursuant to the royal decree 
of I his date. 

Approved by Her Majesty. Sagasta. 

Madrid, November 25, 1897. 



Articles of the electoral law of the Peninsula of June 25, ISDu, in the form in which they 
are to he enforced, according to article 13 of the law of Cuba and Puerto Rico. 

Am. 1. The following are indispensable requirements for admission as a duputy 
to the congress : 

1. To possess the qualitications required by article 29 of the constitution on the 
day on which the election in the electoral district is held. 

2. To have been elected and declared elected in an electoral district, or in thocon- 
gress, in accordance with the provisions of this law and those of the regulations of 
that body. 

3. Not to be disqualified by any reason of personal incapacity for holding the office 
on the day on which the election is held. 

I. Not to be inoluded in any of the cases established by the law concerning dis- 
qualifical ions. 
Art. ">. Disqualified for admission as deputies, although validly elected, are: 

1. Those found to be included in any of the cases mentioned in article 2 of this law. 
The rehabilitation mentioned in No. 2 of article 2 of this law must be secured for 

the eligibility Of a deputy at least two years previous to his election. 

2. ( lontractora lor works or public services paid lor out of the general funds of the 
province or municipality; those who, as the result of such contracts, have claims 
pending in their own interest against the administration and in the sureties and 
partners of such contractors. This incapacity is to be understood as relating Bolely 
to the dist ric t or sect ion iii which the work or public service is performed. 

3. Those who fill, or have tilled within a year, in the district or section in which 
the election is held, any office, charge, or commission, by appointment of t he Govern- 
ment, or who have exercised authority iii a popular election, among whom are included 
presidents of deputations, and deputies who, during the previous year, have been 
members of provincial commissions. 

Excepted from this are the ministers of the Crown and officers of the central 
adininist ration of the islands and of the peninsula. 

The disqualifications referred to in No. :; are confined to the votes cast in the dis- 
trict or section or within the limit of the authority or functions with which the 
deputy has been invested. 



CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 69 

Art. G. When a deputy shall become disqualified after admission to the congress 
from any of the causes enumerated in Art. 5, his incapacity shall he declared and 
he shall immediately forfeit his office. 

Art. 7. Those who already hold the office of deputy to the cortes shall not he 
admitted to the same congress by virtue of a partial election unless they hare 
resigned the same before notice has been given to the district of such partial 
election. 

Art. 8. The office of deputy to the cortes is gratuitous and voluntary, and may be 
resigned before and after taking the oath of office; but no resignation shall be 
admissible without the previous approval by the congress of the deputy's certificate 
of election. 

Art. 22. In districts in which a deputy is to be elected no elector shall have the 
right to vote for more than one person; when more than one and as many as four 
are to be elected he shall have the right to vote for one less than the number to be 
elected; for two less if more than four are to be elected, and for three less if more 
than eight are to be elected. 

Art. 37. The following candidates shall have the right to appoint supervisors for 
the electoral bureaus of the precincts comprising the district or section : 

1. Ex-deputies to the Cortes, who have represented the same district or any other 
on the island. 

2. Those who have been candidates in the same district in former elections and 
obtained at least one-fifth of all the votes cast. 

3. Ex-senators elected by the island to which the district or section belongs. 

4. Candidates for the office of deputy to the Cortes, proposed by means of tickets 
signed by electors of the respective district or section, or by notarial instruments, in 
the preparation of which a competent officer has taken part, the number of such 
electors being equal to at least one-twentieth of the entire number of those included 
in the final list of the district or section. 

Art. 73. Only in pursuance of a resolution of Congress shall it be possible to pro- 
ceed to a partial election for deputy in one or more districts, or because the post of 
representative of such district or districts has become vacant. 

Art. 74. For the districts which, according to this law, are to elect three or more 
deputies, it shall be understood that there is a vacancy in their representation in 
the Cortes only when, for any reasou, at least two deputies fail to act as such. 

Art. 75. The royal decree convoking the electoral colleges of one or more districts 
for the partial election of deputies to the Cortes shall be published in the Gaceta 
de Madrid within eight days, reckoned from the date of the communication of the 
resolution of Congress. In the said royal decree the day shall be fixed on which the 
election shall take place, and that day shall not be fixed before twenty or after 
thirty days, reckoned from the date of the convocation. The royal decree shall be 
simultaneously published in the gazettes of Havana and Puerto Rico, according to 
circumstances, the proper order being communicated for that purpose by telegraph 
to the respective governors-general of the two Antilles. 

Art. 76. The partial election shall take place on the day appointed, according to 
the procedure and in the form prescribed by this law for general elections. 

Art. 77. Congress, exercising the prerogative belonging to it according to article 
34 of the constitution, shall examine and judge of the legality of the elections 
according to the procedure provided by its regulations, and Bhall admit as 
deputiesthose who are found to have been legally elected and proclaimed in the 
districts, if they possess the capacity necessary to enable them to discharge the 
duties of the office, and are not disqualified in any of the ways defined by law. 

Art. 78. In the case of an election in which the votes for each candidate are equal 
in number, if only one of the candidates who have received the same number of 
votes shall possess legal fitness to be deputy he shall at once be proclaimed and 
admitted, provided that the election is approved. 

He who is shown to be legally elected shall likewise be at once admitted and pro- 
claimed by Congress if there shall be, in the certificate of election, protests which 
seem justified against the votes cast for the other one or more candidates having an 
equal number of votes. 

If there are no such differences, that one of the candidates having an equal number 
of votes shall be proclaimed deputy who — 

(1) Has most frequently filled the office; 

(2) Who has filled it for the longest time; 

(3) Who is the oldest in years. 

Art. 79. The certificates of the ballot board having been sent to the central board, 
agreeably to the provisions of article 69, shall be delivered by the latter, as they 
come into his possession, at the office of the secretary of Congress, at whose disposal 
that board shall, in all cases, hold the other documents relating to certificates of 
election. 

Art. 80. The deputies elect or presumptive, who have proclaimed by the exainin- 



70 CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 

ine boards (ballot boards) at general elect inns, shall present their respective creden- 
tials w i Hi in t\\<> months, reckoning from the day of the meeting of the Cortes. For 
those proclaimed elected ai part ial elect ions the time shall ho reckoned from the day 
of their proclamation by the examining board (ballot board). It shall be understood 
that In- who does not present his credentials within the period fixed by this article 
resigns his office, and, consequently, a vacancy in the district or college concerned 
shall be declared after Congress shall have decided concerning the legality of the 

election. 

Art, 81. [f the same individual shall lie found to have been elected by two or more 
districts at t he same tune, he shall make choice before Congress of one of them within 
eight days after the last of his certificates of election shall have been approved, if 

he shall then have been admitted as a deputy, or within thirty days if otherwise. 

in default of a choice within either term, the district that belongs to him shall be 
decided by lot in Congress, and a vacancy shall be declared with respect to the 
others. 

A in. 82. The electors and the candidates who have taken part or been concerned 
in an election may have recourse to Congress at any time before the approval of the 
respective certificates of election with such complaints as they may desire to present 
with regard to the validity or result of such election, or with regard to the legal 
qualifications of the deputy elect previous to his having been admitted. 

Art. 83. When, in order to be able to appreciate and judge of the legality of an 
election concerning which complaint is made before Congress, it shall be thought. 
necessary to make some negotiations in the locality where such election was held, 
the president of the chamber shall give and directly communicate orders to the judi- 
cial magistrate of the territory whom he may think proper to commission for the 
purpose, ami the commissioned magistrate shall consult with the said President in 
the performance of his duty without any necessity for the intervention of the Gov- 
ernment. 

Art. 84. After an election has been approved by Congress and the deputy elected 
by it has been admitted, no complaint shall be received, nor shall any subsequent 
discussion be permitted respecting the validity of the said election, or regarding the 
legal titness of the deputy, unless on account of incapacity that has occurred since 
his admission. 

Approved by Her Majesty. 



Madrid, November 25, 1S97. 



Sagasta. 



[From the Gaceta de Madrid, Saturday, November 27, 1897.] 
Official. — President of the Council of Ministers. 
statement. 

Madam : In endeavoring to solve the problem of introducing colonial autonomy into 
the islands of Cuba and Puerto Rico, which task, together with that of the pacifi- 
cation of the territory of Cuha, constitutes the engagements which the Government 
has contracted with the nation, the ministers think that detailed explanations and 
comments on the complex matters embraced in the plan should give way to a tem- 
perate but full statement of its fundamental character, or of the spheres of action 
to which it extends and of the consequences which, in their opinion, must be the 
result of the regime which they propose to Your Majesty for the government of the 
Spanish Antilles. 

Criticism and analysis will speedily elucidate all that relates to the details; the 
essential idea'- and the inspiration of the decree have their appropriate place here 
ami at this t iine only. 

This is the more necessary since the first and most essential condition of success 
in reforms of this kind is absolute sincerity of purpose. With this sincerity the 
< lovernment has examined the best form of an autonomic constitution for the islands 
of Cuba and Puerto Rico, and it hopes clearly to demonstrate, in these observations, 
that the intention and the results have gone hand in hand. 

It was proposed, in the liist place, clearly to establish the principle, to develop it 
in its entirety, and to surround it with everj guaranty of success, because, when 
it is sought to intrust the direction of affairs to peoples that have reached the age 
of virility, either no mention of autonomy should be made to them or it should be 
given to tin in complete, with the conviction that they are started on the right road 
with the restrictions or shackles which are born of distrust and suspicion. Either 
the defense of nal tonality is confided to repression and force or it is turned over to a 
reconciliation of affection and tradition with interest, and this reconciliation is 



CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 71 

strengthened according as it is developed by the advantages of a system of govern- 
ment that teaches and gives evidence to the colonies that under no other will it bo 
possible for them to attain a higher degree of welfare, security, and greatness. 

This being the case, it was a condition essential to the attainment of the purpose 
had in view to seek for that principle a practical form and one that was intelligible 
to the people that had to he governed by it. and the Government found this in the 
programme of that insular party, considerable in numbers, but still more important 
by reason of its intelligence and perseverance, the predictions of which party have, 
for twenty years past, made the people of Cuba familiar with the spirit, the pro- 
cedure and the great importance of the serious innovation which they are called 
upon to introduce into their political and social life. 

It is asserted by the foregoing that the project is in nowise theoretical, and that 
it is not an imitation or copy of other colonial constitutions which have been justly 
regarded as models in the matter, for although the Government has carefully con- 
sidered what those instruments teach it realizes that the institutions of peoples 
which, in their history and their race, differ so much from that of Cuba, can not 
take root where they have neither precedent nor atmosphere, nor that preparation 
which is the outgrowth of education and belief. 

The problem having been thus defined, inasmuch as the question was to give an 
autonomic constitution to a Spanish territory peopled by a Spanish race and civi- 
lized by Europe, there was no longer any doubt as to the decision to be reached; 
autonomy had to be developed according to the ideas and the programme which 
bears that name in the Antilles, without eliminating anything of its contents, and 
especially without altering its spirit, but rather by completing and harmonizing it 
and giving it greater guaranties of stability, as should be done by the government 
of a mother country which feels itself called to establish such a programme, from a 
conviction of its advantages, from a desire to carry peace and tranquillity to those 
highly prized territories, and from a consciousness of its own responsibility, not only 
to the colonies, but also to its own vast interests which time has connected and 
woven together in the impenetrable net of years. 

Being thus sure of the form which best fitted its design, the Government found it 
easy to distinguish the three aspects ottered by the establishment of an autonomic 
constitution. In the first place, the sacred interests or the mother country, which, 
being alarmed and distrustful on account of the course pursued, by many of her 
sons, and wounded by the ingratitude of those who put more trust in the selfishness 
of the speculator than they do in brotherly affection, desires above all things that 
the change for which she is prepared should draw closer and strengthen the bond of 
sovereignty, and that in the midst of a blessed peace the interests of all her sons, 
which are not at variance with each other, although they may be at times different, 
should be harmonized and developed by the free consent of all. 

Next .are to be considered the aspirations, the needs, and the desires of our colonial 
population, which is anxious to be treated like an unfortunate daughter instead of 
being crushed like an enemy, which is obedient to the call of affection, and ready to 
rebel like Spaniards against the brutal imposition of exterminating force. These 
people expect from the mother country a form in which their initiative may be 
molded and a mode of procedure that may authorize them to manage their own 
interests. 

And finally, this vast and interesting mass of relations created of interests devel- 
oped in that long past which nobody, still less a Government, is at liberty to disre- 
gard or forget, and whose preservation and development involve the fulfillment of 
the destiny of our race in America, and the glory of the Spanish flag in lands that 
were discovered and civilized by our ancestors. 

These three orders of ideas find their answer in the fundamental provisions of the 
draft submitted to your Majesty for approval. To the first, that is, to the point of view 
of the mother country, belong the questions of sovereignty which have been confided 
to the highest authorities of the Spanish nation. The^ representation and authority 
of the King, who is the nation itself, the command of the army and navy, the admin- 
istration of justice, diplomatic understanding with America, the constant and benefi- 
cent relations between the colony and the mother country, the pardoning power 
and the upholding and defense of the constitution are intrusted to the Governor- 
General as the King's representative, and under the direction of the council of min- 
isters. Nothing that is essential has been forgotten ; the authority of the central 
power is in nowise diminished or abated. 

The insular aspect is, in its turn, developed in a manner as full and complete as 
could be desired by those who are most exacting, in central, provincial, and munici- 
pal autonomy; in the application without reserve or equivocation of the parlia- 
mentary system; in the powers of the insular chambers and in the creation of a 
responsible government, at the head of which, and forming the supreme bond of 
nationality as regards the executive power, again appears the Governor-General who, 
on the one hand, presides through responsible ministers over the development of 



72 CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 

colonial life, and. on the other, associates and connects it with the general life of 
the nation. 

And thai third aspect, in which is recapitulated the history of the relations 
between the Antilles and the mother country, and within which their commerce, 
their credit, and their wealth, must also be developed, is defined in a series of pro- 
visions of n permanent character, which connects the two executive powers — the 
insular and the national, and at times, their chambers — in such a manner that at 
every moment they lend each other mutual aid, and assist each other in developing 
the common inten ate. 

And all this manifold and complex, though not complicated, system is sanctioned 
and rendered practical by a series or guaranties of associations of constant under- 
standings and public discussions winch w ill absolutely ]>re\ cut. so tar as it is allow- 
able tor man to predict that which is to come, unyielding dilemmas, insurmountable 
difficulties, and collisions between the colonics and the mother country. 

This is a point of so great importance that tho Government would certainly have 
subordinated all other questions to it if such subordination had been necessary, 
which it can not be, nor is there any reason to fear it, since the bases of the new 
regime are established upon harmony of interests, scrupulous respect for the rights 
of others, and the desire in this mother country unremittingly to aid tho develop- 
ment, prosperity, and peaceful aggrandizement of her beautiful Antilles, which 
desire the Government does not doubt will be fully shared there. 

This does not mean that no questions will arise in which the two spheres of action 
Will be confounded, and that there! will be no legitimate doubts as to which is the 
predominant interest in them, or that there will not be. after the doubts, more or 
less of passionate discussion. In no colony enjoying autonomy has this failed to 
happen; in none has the ease arisen in which the central Government was always 
and systematically in accord with the acts of the colonial government. Long is the 
list of the legislative enactments of Canada which have been vetoed by the British 
Government, and curious and exceedingly interesting is the list of judicial decisions 
which ha\c defined the diverse jurisdictions of their local assemblies, either among 
themselves or with their governors. This has been the case notwithstanding the fact 
that the great decentralization, the antecedents of Canadian history, and freedom of 
trade greatly simplify the relations between the two countries. 

The excellence of the system, however, lies in the fact that when such cases arise, 
and especially when they are frequent, the balance of power both within the colo- 
nial constitution and in the relations of the colony to the mother country is such 
that aremedy is always to bo had, that a basis of understanding is never lacking, 
ami that a common ground is always to be found on which interests .are either har- 
monized or their antagonism is settled or the will of the people bows to the decision 
of the courts. 

If, therefore, the rights which are recognized by the constitution as belonging to 
the citizens are violated or their interests arc disregarded by the town boards and 
deputations which ,, re. in their turn, within the system, entirely autonomous, the 
courts of justice will defend and uphold them; if corporations go beyond their pow- 
ers, or if. on the other hand, the executive power undertakes to impair what the 
constitution of the kingdom or the provisions of this decree declare to be powers 
belonging to the town boards or the provincinal corporations, the accused party 
has the ri glu to appeal to the courts of the island, and as a last resort to the supreme 
court, v hose duty it will be to settle disputes of jurisdiction between the Governor- 
General ami the colonial parliament, whoever may have given rise to such disputes; 
both will havethe same rights to complain and to seek legal redress for their wrongs 

Thus, whatever difficulties may arise from the establishment of a system, or be 
tho outgrowth of its exercise, will ho decided by the courts, which have been, since 
ancient Rome down to modern England, the most progressive source of right, and 
which have afforded the most flexible procedure for the harmonization of the grow- 
ing demands of real life and the slow process <>l Legislal ion. 

Thus the autonomic constitution which the t io\ eminent proposes for the islands 
of Cuba and Puerto Rico is not exotic or copied, nor is it an imitation. It is an 
organ i/at ion eui getu ris, conceived and upheld by the natives of the Spanish Antilles, 
gladly inscribed by the liberal party in their programme in order that the nation 
might know what it had to expect from that party when it should come into power, 
ana characterized by a feature which no colonial regime has thus far presented, viz : 
that the Antilles can be wholly autonomous, in the fullest sense of the word, and at 
the same time have their representatives and form a pari of the national parliament. 

So that, while the representatives of the insular people direct from their local 
chambers the special interests of their country, others elected by the same people 
aid and cooperate in the Cortes in the making of those laws in whose mould are 
formed and unified the different elements of Spanish nationality. And this is not a 
small or paltry advantage ; still less does it furnish ground for surprise, as some 
might, pei haps, think, because this present of the deputies from the Antilles in the 



CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 73 

Cortes is a close bond of the nationality which is raised above all the unities which 
live in its bosom, now sought as one of the greatest political steps in advance of our 
day by the autonomous English colonics, which are anxious to take part in an 
Imperial Parliament in the supreme function of legislators and directors of the great 
British Empire. 

This form, therefore, which is characteristic of the system now adopted by Spain, 
while it gives it its own meaning, signifies, if not a step in advance, such as those 
engendered by the present time, an advantage which circumstances offer us as a just 
compensation for the immense disasters which our colonial history recounts. 

The Government frankly acknowledges that for the success of its work public dis- 
cussion in Parliament would have been better, together with the analysis of public 
opinion in the press, on the lecture platform, and in books; hut it is not its fault, as 
it was not that of the previous Government, if the pressure of circumstances compels 
it to do without this precious guaranty. Yet if the party which now serves the inter- 
ests of the Crown and the country in the Government did not hesitate a moment to 
approve, in its day, the initiative taken by the conservative party, or in voting for 
the appropriation which it asked from the Cortes, it has a right, now that the weight 
of circumstances is still heavier than it was then, to hope that public opinion will 
approve to-day the course pursued by it, and that the Cortes will do so to-morrow. 

For this reason it does not hesitate to face the responsibility, and it intends to put 
into immediate action and practice the solutions which are implied in the present 
decree with the same sincerity with which it has prepared it, thus removing the sus- 
picion of any indecision in its course or of reservations in its promises. If therCgime 
shall be found wantiug in practice for lack of good faith in anybody it will never 
be—ami we are proud to proclaim this— the fault of the men who are actuated above 
all things hy the noble desire to pacify their country. 

The Government thinks that it has thus said everything necessary to make known 
the genesis, the inspiration, and the character of the plan which, establishing in Cuba 
and Puerto Rico an autonomic regime, it now submits to Your Majesty. 

To those who are familiar with the constitution of the Monarchy, the plan will 
certainly not present any great difficulties, for the Government has, as far as possi- 
ble, taken for its guide 'the organic system of that instrument, the division of its 
titles, and even its wording. The moditications of the constitutional articles are 
accessory and circumstantial; the additions respond to its specialty and seek to 
secure the efficiencv of its provisions and the facility of their execution. 

Doubtless something will remain to be done, and some reforms will be needed; 
this will be shown simultaneously by the defense of its provisions and the criticisms 
made thereon, and gradually the good grounds upon which both are based will be 
ascertained; this will render it possible to incorporate what is good in the plan and 
to reject what does not harmonize with its fundamental ideas when the time comes 
for it to receive the sanction of the Cortes. 

Let it be understood, nevertheless, that the Government will not eliminate from 
it, nor will it consent that anything be eliminated that goes to form colonial liberties, 
guarantees, and privileges, because being prepared to complete its work or to throw 
light upon doubts, it does net intend that when it presents its plan for parliamentary 
sanction the concessions made shall suffer any impairment, nor can it consent to do 
so if it has a majority in the chambers. 

But though all that the Government considers necessary to explain in the general 
lines of the decree has been set forth in the foregoing, it still deems it indispensa- 
ble, for reasons which will readily be understood, to fix the sense of the articles 
which refer to autonomy with regard to the tariff, and which refer to the debt which 
burdens the Cuban treasury. 

The export trade from the Peninsula to Cuba, which amounts to about $30,000,000 
per annum, and which, moreover, furnishes ground for important combinations for 
navigation on the high seas, has hitherto been subjected to an exceptional regime 
which is absolutely incompatible with the principle of colonial autonomy. 

This implies the power to regulate the conditions of its import and export trade and 
to have free control of its custom-houses. To refuse these privileges to Cuba or Puerto 
Rico would be tantamount to nullifying the value of the principles laid down; to 
endeavor to defeat their object would be incompatible with the dignity of the nation. 
What it behooves the Government to do, after recognizing the principle in its 
entirety, is to endeavor to cause the transition to take place without violence or 
injury to the interests which have been developed under the old system, and for 
this purpose to pave the way to an understanding with the governments of the 
Antilles. 

The most earnest advocates of autonomy have never denied the willingness of 
those countries to recognize, in behalf of genuinely national industry and commerce, 
a margin that should secure that market to them. 

This assurance has always been given by their representatives in the Cortes, and is 
still given by their representatives in the Cortes, and is still given by all parties in the 
Island of Cuba, accordiug to statements which the Government considers irrecusable. 



74 CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 

( lomplaini 3 arose, iidi from the existence of discriminating duties, but from the fact 
thai those duties were too high, and thai this prevented che Antilles from securing 
the markets which they needed for their rich and abundant productions, and from 
the lack of reciprocity. Thus, as ao insurmountable difficulties exist, there is ground 
for s;i> ing that .in understanding is more than possible ; thai it is certain, especially 
when it is considered thai the exports from the peninsula to Cuba consist of abont 
lif't.N articles of the four hundred that air specified in the tariff, ami that of these 
fiftj many, owing to their special character, ami owing to the customs ami tastes of 
the Cubans, will never have reason to fear the competition of foreign articles. 

The manufacturers ami shipowners of the Peninsula have no cause for alarm 
owing to the establishment of a system of autonomy, which, while it modifies the 
conditions on which the tariff is based, does not alter the essential bases of the 
economic relations between Spain and the Antilles. There will doubtless he some 
difficulties to bo harmonized, or it will bo necessary to settle the inevitable differ- 
ences accompanying anychange of the mercantile regime; it will lie necessary to 
Combine both tariffs in some way; hut neither are the interests of Cuba opposed to 
those of the Peninsula, nor is it to anyone's interest to diminish the commercial 
relations existing between the two countries. 

If then the insular government were already established, and if with it it had 
been possible to agree upon a system of mercantile relations, this question would 
not have assumed proportions which it does not possess; nor would there bo any 
cause for predicting ruin and disaster; the facts would put suppositions to silence. 
Notwithstanding this, the Government has thought that in order to quiet alarm, if was 
proper for it to anticipate events, and that instead of leaving the settlement of the 
question to the natural working of the new constitution, it was proper to fix without 
further delay the bases of our future mercantile relations. In doing this and with 
a view to removing all cause of distrust, it has gone so far as to fix a maximum for 
the differential duties that are to bo obtained by peninsular goods, ottering, as was 
right and. just, the same rates to insular productions. 

The basis of the understanding having been fixed and determined, the principle of 
autonomy having been guaranteed, the equality of powers having been established 
in an unquestionable manner in the procedure that is to lie observed, and the spirit 
which actuates those islanders being known, the negotiation will be easy and its 
results will bo advantageous to both parties. 

As to the debt which burdens the Cuban treasury, either directly or owing to the 
guarantee which it lias given to that of the Peninsula, and which the latter bears 
analogously, the justice of dividing it in an equitable manner when the termination 
of the war shall render it possible to fix its definitive amount is not to be doubted 
for a moment. 

This debt, let us hope, will not be so enormous as to amount to an insupportable 
burden upon the energy of the nation, nor is the nation so lacking in resources that 
it needs to feel alarm at the prospect before it. A country which during the past 
few months has given such strong evidence of virility and social discipline; a terri- 
tory like that of Cuba, which, even in the midst of its political convulsions and of 
war scarcely interrupted for thirty years, has produced so great wealth by cultivat- 
ing only a small part of its fertile soil, and which has done this by its own strength 
alone, with lew institutions of credit, struggling against sugar on which a bounty is 
paid, the American market being (dosed to its manufactured tobacco, and at the same 
time changing slave labor into free labor, may calmly contemplate the payment of 
its obligations and inspire its creditors with confidence. 

Consequently, in the opinion of the Government, it is important to think from 
this time forward of the manner in which the debt is to be paid, rather than of its 
division, applying the economic methods of our day to the great wealth which the 
soil of Cuba secures to agriculturists and which the bowels of the earth secure to 
miners, and taking advantage of t ho extraordinary facilities offered to the commerce 
of the world by the insular form and the geographical situation of what has rightly 
been called the " Pearl of the Antilles." 

If no legislation can yet be enacted concerning these things, it is propel to bear 
them in mind very carefully and to pay much attention to them, since it has occurred 
(o others who certainly can not be charged with being visionary or forming illu- 
sions—it has occurred to them, 1 sa>, io take advantage of this great germ of 
wealth, not, indeed, for the benefit of Spain or to uphold her sovereignty; when 
fhe> do this, it would be fooling not to follow their example and mil to convert into 
a redemption of the past and a guaranty of the future what has perhaps been an 
incentive to war and the origin in a great measure of the evils which we are now 
so eagerly seeking to remedy. 

Basing its action on these considerations, the Government has the honor to submit 
the inclosed draft of a decree to Your Majesty for approval. 
Madam, at Your Majesty's royal feet, 

Praxedes Mateo Sagasta. 
Madrid, November ?o, 1897. 



CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 75 

ROYAL DECREE. 

By the advice and consent of my council of ministers. In the name of my august 
son,' King Alfonso XIII, and as Queen Regent of the Kingdom, I decree as follows: 

Title I. — Of the government and administration of the islands of Cuba and Puerto Rico. 

Article I. The islands of Cuba and Puerto Rico shall hereafter be governed and 
administered in accordance with the following provisions: 

Explanatory note. 

To facilitate the understanding of this decree and to prevent confusion as regards 
the legal value of the terms therein used the following definitions must he remem- 
bered : 

Executive central power: The King with his council of ministers. 

Spanish Parliament: The Cortes with the King. 

Spanish Chambers: The Congress and the Senate. 

Central Government: The council of ministers of the Kingdom. 

Colonial parliament: The two chambers with the Governor-General. 

Colonial chambers: The council of administration and the chamber of represen- 
tatives. . 

Colonial legislative assemblies: The council of administration and the chamber ot 
representatives. 

Governor-General in council: The Governor-General, with his secretaries. 

Instructions of the Governor-General: Those which he received when he was 
appointed to his post. 

Statute : Colonial provision of a legislative character. 

Colonial statutes: The colonial legislation. 

Legislation or geueral laws: The legislation or laws of the Kingdom. 

Art. 2. The government of each one of the islands shall be composed of an insular 
parliament, divided into two chambers, and of a governor-general representing the 
mother-country, who, in the name of the latter, shall exercise supreme authority. 

Title II. — Of the insular chambers. 

Art. 3. The insular chambers, together with the governor-general, shall have 
power to legislate concerning colonial affairs in the manner and on the terms pro- 
vided bv law. in. 

Art. 4. The islands shall be represented by two bodies, whose power shall be 
equal, viz: The chamber of representatives and the council of administration. 

Art. 5. The council shall be composed of 35 members, of whom 18 shall bo elected 
in the manner prescribed in the electoral law, and the remaining 17 shall be desig- 
nated by the King, and in his name by the governor-general, from among those pos- 
sessing the requirements enumerated in tbe following articles: 

Art. 6. To be entitled to a seat in the council of administration it shall be neces- 
sary to be a Spaniard; to have attained the age of 35 years; to have been born in 
the island, or to have resided there uninterruptedly for four years; not to be under 
criminal prosecution ; to be in the full enjoyment of one's political rights; not to 
have one's property embargoed ; to have had for two or more years an income of 
one's own amounting to $4,000, and to have no part in contracts with the central 
government or with that of the island. 

Stockholders in joint-stock companies shall not be considered as having a contract 
with the government, although the society to which they belong may have one. 

Art. 7. Those who, in addition to the requirements mentioned in the foregoing 
article, possess any one of the following, may be elected or designated as members 
of the council of administration : 

(1) Being or having been a senator of the Kingdom, or having the requirements 
specified in Title III of the constitution for the discharge of the duty of that office. 

(2) Having discharged for two years the duties of one of the offices mentioned 
below : 

That of presiding judge of the superior court of Havana, or of the Government 
attorney attached to that court; that of rector of the University of Havana; that 
of a member of the old council of administration; president of the chamber of com- 
merce of the capital; president of the Economic Society of Friends of the Country, 
of Havana; president of the Club of Landholders; president of the Tobacco Manu- 
facturers' Union; president of the League of Merchants, Manufacturers, and Agri- 
culturists of Cuba; dean of the Illustrious College of Lawyers, of the capital; 
alcalde of Havana; president of its provincial deputation for two terms of two 
years each, or president of a provincial deputation for three such terms; dean of any 
of the cathedral cabildos. 



70 CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 

:; The following persona may likewise be elected or designated: Land owners 
whose oames appear in the list of the 50 largest taxpayers on land beld by them, or 
in thai of the oral 50 for trade, professions) industry, and arts. 
Art. 8. The appointmenl of the members of the council whom the I rown may 

designate shall take place by special decrees, in which the »round on which the 
appointment is based shall always lie stated. 

The members of the council thus appointed shall hold their office dnring life. 

One-half of the elective mem hers of the council shall be renewed every five years, 
ami all shall be renewed whenever the ( ioveinor-l dmeral shall dissolve the council 
of administration. 

Aht. 9. The requirements neoessary to he appointed or elected councilor of admin- 
istration may be changed by a law of the kingdom at the request or in accordance 
with the suggestion ot the insular chambers. 

Art. 10. Members of the council of administration shall accept no office and uo 
title or decoration while the sessions last, bul both the local and the central gov- 
ernment may confer upon them, within their respective office or categories, such 
commissions as the public service may require. 

The office of secretary of the government shall be excepted from the provisions 
contained in the foregoing paragraphs. 

Title IV. — Of the chamher of representatives. 

Art. 11. The chamher of representatives shall be composed of the persons named 
by the electoral hoards in the manner provided by law and in the proportion of one 
to every 25,000 inhabitants. 

Art. 12. In order to bo elected a representative it is necessary to be a Spaniard, 
not in clerical orders, of full age, to be in the enjoyment of all one's civil rights, to 
have been born in the Island of ( luba, or to have resided there for four years, and not 
to he under a criminal prosecution. 

ART. 13. Representatives shall be elected for five years, and may be reelected 
indefinitely. 

The insular chamber shall decide with what functions the office of representative 
is incompatible, and shall determine in what cases a representative may be reelected. 

Art. 14. Representatives upon whom the central or local government shall confer 
a pension, an office, a promotion out of the regular course, a commission with salary, 
honors or decorations, shall cease to hold their office, without the necessity of any 
declaration if, within the fifteen days immediately following their appointment, they 
do not inform the chamher that they decline to accept the favor conferred. 

What is contained in the foregoing paragraph does not include representatives 
who are appointed government secretaries. 

Title V. — Of the manner in which the insular chambers arc to perform their functions, 
and of the relations between them both. 

ART. 15, The chambers shall meet every year. It shall be the duty of the King, 
and in his name of the ( Jovornor-Cencral, to convoke or suspend them, to close then 
sessions, and to dissolve separately or simultaneously the chamber of representatives 
and the council of administration, with the obligation to convoke them again or to 
renew them within three months. 

ART. 16. Each one of the colegislative bodies shall drawn]) i t s own regulations 
and shall examine both the qualifications of I he persons who compose them and the 
legality of their election. 

I [hi il t he chamber of representatives and the council of administration shall have 
appm\ ed their regulations, they shall he governed by the regulations of the congress 
oi deputies or by those of the senate, respectively . 

Art. 17. Both chambers shall choose their president, vice-presidents, and secre- 
taries. 

Art. is. < me of the two legislal ive bodies shall not be in session unless the other 

is also. 

The case is excepted in which the council of administration shall perform judicial 
functions. 

Art. 19. The insular chambers shall not deliberate together or in presence of the 
( iiivi'iiior-i Seneral. 

Their sessions shall be public, although in rases in which secrecj is required each 
one may hold a aecrel session. 

Art. 20. It shall be the duty of the Governor-General, through the governmental 
secretaries, just as it shall be thai of each one of the two chambers, to initiate and 
propose the colonial statutes. 

ART. 21. The colonial statutes concerning taxes and public credit shall be first 
laid before the chamber of representatives. 



CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE 77 

Art. 22. Resolutions in each one of the co-legislative bodies shall betaken by a plu- 
rality of votes; but in order to pass enactments of a legislative character, the pres- 
ence of one-half plus one of the total number of members composing it sball be 
required. The presence of one-third ot the members shall, however, be sufficient 
for deliberation. 

Art. 23. In order that a resolution may be understood to have been passed by the 
insular parliament, it shall be necessary for it to have been approved both by the 
cr. amber of representatives and by the council of administration. 

Art. 24. The colonial statutes, when approved in the manner provided in the fore- 
going article, shall be laid before the Governor-General by the officers of the respective 
chambers for his sanction and promulgation. 

Art. 25. The members of the council of administration and those of the chamber 
of representatives shall be inviolable as regards their opinions and votes in the dis- 
charge of the duties of their office. 

Art. 26. The members of the council of administration shall not be prosecuted or 
arrested without a previous resolution of the council, unless when they are taken 
in flagrante delicto or when the council is not in session; but in all cases a report 
shall be made to that body as speedily as possible, in order that it may reach a 
proper determination. The representatives shall, moreover, not be prosecuted or 
arrested during the sessions of the chamber without its permission, unless they are 
taken in flagrante delicto; but in this case, and in that of their being prosecuted or 
arrested when the chambers are closed, a report shall be made as speedily as possible 
to the chamber of representatives, for its information and decision. 

The superior court of Havana shall take cognizance of criminal cases against 
members of the council and representatives, in such cases and in such manner as 
the colonial statutes provide. 

Art. 27. The guarantees provided in the foregoing article shall not be applicable 
to cases in which a member of the council or a representative shall declare that he 
is the author of articles, books, pamphlets, or printed matter of any kind in which 
soldiers are incited to sedition, or in which the Governor-General is insulted or 
slandered, or an attack is made upon the national integrity. 

Art. 28. The relations between the two chambers shall be regulated, until further 
orders, by the law concerning the relations between both cole^islative bodies bearing 
date of July 19, 1837. 

Art. 29. In addition to holding the colonial legislative power, it shall be the duty 
of the insular chambers : 

(1) To administer to the Governor-General the oath that he will uphold the con- 
stitution and the laws which guarantee the autonomy of the colony. 

(2) To make effective the responsibility of the governmental secretaries who, 
when accused by the chamber of representatives, shall be tried by the council of 
administration. 

(3) To address the central Government through the governor-general in order to 
propose to it the abrogation or modification of the laws of the Kingdom which are in 
force, to request it to present drafts of laws concerning determinate matters, or to 
request it to adopt resolutions of an executive character on subjects which interest 
the colony. 

Art. 30. In all cases in which, in the opinion of the governor-general, the national 
interests may be affected by the colonial statutes, the presentation of drafts of min- 
isterial initiative shall be preceded by their communication to the central Govern- 
ment. 

If the project shall be the outgrowth of parliamentary initiative, the colonial Gov- 
ernment shall ask for the postponement of the discussion until the eentral Govern- 
ment shall have expressed its opinion. 

In both cases the correspondence that has passed between the two governments shall 
be comnrunicated to the chambers and shall be published in the Gazette. 

Art. 31. Conflicts of jurisdiction between the different municipal assemblies, pro- 
vincial and insular, or with the executive power, which owing to their nature shall 
not be referred to the central Government, shall be submitted to the courts of jus- 
tice, in accordance with the provisions of this decree. 

Title VI. — Of the powers of insular parliament. 

Art. 32. The insular chambers shall have power to legislate concerning all matters 
that have not been specially and determinately reserved to the Cortez of the King- 
dom or the central Government, according to the present decree or to the provisions 
that may hereafter be adopted as provided in article 2 additional. 

Consequently, the enumeration presuming no limitation of their powers, it shall 
be their duty to decide concerning all matters that belong to the ministries of grace 
and justice, government, finance and fomeuto, in its three divisions, public works, 
education, and agriculture. 



7* CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 

[t shall likewise be their duty to obtain special information 'with regard to all 
matters of a purely local nature which principally affecl the colonial territory ; and 
in this Bense they may <1<< i<l<- concerning administrative organization ; ad division, 
whether territorial, provincial, municipal, or judicial; concerning public health, 
both on sea and land; concerning public credit, hanks, and t ho monetary system. 

These powers are to be understood as not interfering with those belonging, iu con- 
nect ion with tli" same matters, according u> law, to the colonial executive power. 

Art. 33. It shall likewise l>c the duty of the insular parliament to prepare the 
regulations for the exeontion of those laws enacted by the Cortes of the Kingdom 
that shall be expressly confided to it. In this sense it specially belongs to it (and it 
may (In bo a1 its very first meeting) to decide concerning electoral procedure, the 
preparation of the census, tho qualifications of electors, and the manner in which 
elect ions shall be held ; but its decisions shall in nowise affect the rights of citizens 
as thej are recognized by the electoral law. 

Aim. 34. Although the laws relating to tho administration of justice and the 
organization of the courts are of a general character, and therefore obligatory upon 
the colony, the Colonial Parliament may, subject to them, adopt such rules or pro- 
pose to the Centra] Government Buch measures as may facilitate the entrance, reten- 
tion, and promotion in the local courts of the natives of the Island, or of those who 
practice tho legal profession there. Tho Governor-General iu council shall exercise 
tho powers which, as regards the appointment of legal officers, subordinates, and 
assistants, and as regards other matters connected with the administration of justice, 
are now exercised by the ministry of the colonies so far as tho Island of Cuba is 
concerned. 

Aim. :!.">. It shall be an exclusive power of the Insular Parliament to prepare the 
local budget both of expenditures and receipts, and to prepare that of the receipts 
necessary to meet the portion of expense of the national budget which is payable 
by the Island. 

To this effect, the Governor-General shall lay before the Chambers, before the 
month of January of each year, the budget for the following fiscal year, divided 
into two parts, the first of which shall contain a statement of the receipts necessary 
to meet the expenses of sovereignty ; the second, the expenditures and receipts 
which properly belong to tho colonial administration. 

Neither of the chambers shall deliberate concerning the colonial budget without 
having definitely passed upon the portion relating to tho expenses of sovereignty. 

ART. 36. It shall be tho duty of tho Cortes of tho Kingdom to decide what are to 
be considered, from their nature, as obligatory expenses inherent in sovereignty, and 
also to fix every three years the amount thereof and the receipts necessary to meet 
them, the Cortes having always tho right to change this provision. 

Art. 37. Tho negotiation of treaties of commerce affecting the Island of Cuba, 
whether they are due to the initiative of tho insular government or to that of the 
central Government, shall always be conducted by the latter, assisted in both cases 
by special delegates, duly authorized by the colonial government, the conformity 
of which treaties to what has been agreed upon shall bo shown when they are laid 
before the Cortes of tho Kingdom. 

These treaties, if they shall be approved by the Cortes, shall be published as laws 
of tho Kingdom, and as such they shall remain in force in the territory of the Island. 

Art. 38. Treaties of commerce in the negotiation of which the Insular Govern- 
ment shall not have taken part shall be communicated to it when they shall become 
laws of the Kingdom, in order that it may, within three months, declare whether it 
desires to adhere to their stipulations or not. In case of its desiring to adhere to 
them the Governor-General shall publish a statement to that effect in the Gazette as 
a colonial statute. 

Art. 39. It shall further bo the duty of tho Insular Parliament to prepare the tariff 
and to designate the duties to be paid on goods, both when imported into the terri- 
tory of the Island and when exported therefrom. 

Art. 10. By way of transition from the present regime to thai for which provision 
is hereb\ made, and without prejudice to what may be agreed upon at tho proper 
time by tho two Governments, commercial relations between the Peninsula and the 
Island of Cuba shall be governed by the following provisions: 

(1) No duty, whether of a fiscal character or not, and whether established for 
imports or exports, shall be differential to the detriment of insular or peninsular 
product ions. 

(2) A list of articles of direct national origin shall be prepared by both Govern- 
ments, for which articles there shall be established by common consent a differential 
duty on those similar to them of foreign origin. 

In another similar list, prepared in the same manner, those productions of insular 
origin shall be determined which are to receive privileged treatment when imported 
into the Peninsula. The rate of t he differential duties shall likewise be determined. 

This differential duty shall in no case exceed, for both origins, oo per cent. 



CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 79 

If, in the preparation of both lists and in the fixing of the protective duties, there 
snail be an agreement between the two governments, tbe lists shall be considered 
definitive and shall be adopted at once. If there shall be any disagreement, the point 
in dispute shall be submitted for decision to a commission of deputies of the King- 
dom, consisting equally of natives of Cuba and of tbe Peninsula. This commission 
shall choose its president. If no agreement shall be reached concerning his appoint- 
ment, the oldest officer shall preside. The president shall have a vote by virtue of 
his office. 

(3) The tables of valuations for the articles enumerated in the two lists mentioned 
in the foregoing number shall be adopted by common consent, and shall be revised 
every two years, a hearing being granted to both parties. The modifications which 
it shall be proper to make, in view thereof, in the tariff, shall be at once carried out 
by the respective governments. 

TlTLK VII. 

Art. 41. The supreme government of the colony shall be vested in a governor- 
general, who shall be appointed by the King, on motion of the council of ministers. 
In this capacity he shall exercise, as a vice-royal patron, the powers inherent in the 
pationate of the Indies; he shall have the chief command of all the armed forces, 
both naval and military, in the island; he shall be the representative of the rninis- 
istries of state, Avar, navy, and the colonies; all the authorities of the island shall 
be subordinate to him, and he shall be responsible for the preservation of order and 
of the safety of the colony. 

The Governor-General, before assuming the duties of his office, shall make oath 
before the King that he will perform them faithfully and loyally. 

Art. 42. The Governor-General, as the representative of the nation, shall perform 
by himself, and assisted by his secretaries, all the duties mentioned iu the foregoing 
articles, and that may be incumbent upon him as the direct representative of the 
King in matters of a national character. It shall be the duty of the Governor-General, 
as the representative of the mother country : 

(1) To designate freely the employees of his secretariat. 

(2) To publish, execute, and cause to be executed on the island the laws, decrees, 
treaties, international conventions, and other instruments emanating from the legis- 
lative branch of the Government, and likewise the decrees, royal orders, and other 
instruments emanating from the executive branch that shall be communicated to 
him by the ministries, whose representative he is. 

When, in his judgment, and that of the secretaries of his administration, the 
decisions of Her Majesty's Government might cause injury to the general interests of 
the nation, or to the special interests of the island, he shall suspend their publication 
and execution, making a report thereof and of the causes upon which his decision is 
based to the proper ministry. 

(3) To exercise the pardoning power in the name of the King within the limits 
which shall have been specially marked out for him in his instructions, and to sus- 
pend the execution of capital punishment in cases in which the gravity of the cir- 
cumstances may demand it, or the urgency of the case may not allow time to solicit 
and obtain pardon from Her Majesty, the opinion of the secretaries being heard in 
all cases. 

(4) To suspend the guaranties named in articles 4, 5, 6, and 9, and paragraphs 1, 2, 
and 3 of article 13, of the constitution of the State, to enforce the laws relative to 
public order, and to take all such measures as he may deem necessary for the preser- 
vation of peace within, and of security outside of the territory that is intrusted to 
him, the council of secretaries being previously heard. 

(5) To take care that justice be speedily and properly administered in the colony, 
in which it shall always be administered in the name of the King. 

(6) To communicate directly concerning matters of external policy with the repre- 
sentatives, diplomatic agents, and consuls of Spain in America. 

Correspondence of this kind shall be communicated in its entirety and simultane- 
ously to the minister of state. 

Art. 43. It shall be the duty of the Governor-General, as the superior authority 
of the island and the head of its administration: 

(1) To take care that the rights, powers, and privileges recognized or hereafter to 
be recognized as belonging to the colonial administration, be duly respected and 
upheld. 

(2) To sanction and publish the enactments of the insular parliament, which shall 
be laid before him by the president and secretaries of the respective chambers. 

When the Governor-General shall consider that an enactment of the insular par- 
liament goes beyond the powers of that body, violates the rights of citizens which 
are recognized in Title I of the constitution* or the guarantees fixed by law for the 
exercise of those rights, or jeopardizes the interests of the colony or of the State, he 



80 CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 

shall send the enactment to the council of ministers, of the Kingdom which, in a 
period nut exceeding six months, shall approve it or return it to the Governor- 
General, with a statement of the reasons that it may have for objecting to its sanc- 
tion and promulgation. The insular parliament, in view of these reasons, may again 
deliberate concerning the matter and modify the enactment, if it thiuks proper, 
without the necessity of a special proposition. 

If two months shall pass without the central Government's having expressed its 
opinion concerning an enactment of the Chambers that shall have been transmitted 
t<> it by the Governor-General, that officer shall sanction and promulgate it. 

3 To appoint, suspend, and remove the employees of t he colonial administration, 
on motion of the respective secretaries of the Government, and in accordance with 
the laws. 

( 1 ) To appoint and remove freely the secretaries of the Government. 
\i:r. II. No order of the Governor-General, issued in bis capacity as representa- 
tive and head of the colony, shall he carried out unless it is countersigned by a 
secretary of the government, who, by this act alone, becomes responsible therefor. 

A k i . 1 r. . The secretaries of the government shall be five: 

Grace, justice, and of the interior. 

Finance. 

Public instruct ion. 

Public works and means of communication. 

Agriculture, industry, and commerce. 

The secretary, who shall be appointed by the Governor-General, shall be president. 
The Governor-General may likewise appoint a president without a determinate 
department. 

The insular parliament shall have power to increase or diminish the number of 
the secretaries of the Government, and also to determine what matters belong to the 
department of each. 

Art. 4ti. The secretaries of the Government may he members of the chamber of 
representatives or of the council of administration, and take part in the discussions 
of both bodies; but they shall only have a vote in that to which they belong. 

Art. 47. The secretaries of the ( iovcrmnent shall be responsible for their acts to the 
insular chambers. 

Akt. 48. The Governor-General shall not modify or revoke his own orders when 
they shall have been sanctioned by the Government, whether they are declaratory of 
rights, or have served as a basis for a judicial decision, or shall have reference to his 
own competency. 

Art. 49. The Governor-General shall not delegate the powers of his office on absent- 
ing himself from the island without the express permission of the (iovernment. 

In cases of absence from the capital, which shall prevent him from transacting 
business, or of the impossibility id' his doing so, lie may designate a person or per- 
sons to act in his stead, if the Government shall hot previously have done SO, or if, in 
his instructions, there is no provision made for the appointment of a substitute. 

Aim. r^i. The supreme court shall take cognizance, -without appeal, of all charges 
defined in the penal code that shall be made against the governor-general. 

The council of ministers shall take cognizance of any malfeasance in office com- 
mitted by him. 

Akt. 51. The Governor-General, notwithstanding the provisions contained in the 
various articles of this decree, may act by himself and on his own responsibility, 
without granting a hearing to the secretaries of the Government in the following 
eases: 

(1) When the question is of the transmission to the Government of the enact- 
ments of the insular chambers, especially when he considers that the rights guar- 
antied in Title I of the constitution of the monarchy or the guarantees provided by 
law for- their exercise are violated by those enactments. 

(2) When the law relative to public order is to be executed, especially if there is 
no til n any way to consult the central government. 

(3) When the question is of the execution and fulfillment of laws of the Kingdom 
sanctioned by His Majesty, and operative in all the Spanish territory or that of its 
< iovernment. 

A law shall provide for the procedure and means of action that maj lie used in such 
cases by the Governor-General. 

Title VIII. — Of the municipal <ui<l provincial regime. 

Art. 52. Municipal organization shall be obligatory in every center of population 
containing more than 1,000 inhabitants. Localities containing a smaller popula- 
tion may organize services of a common character bj special agreements. 

Any municipal board that is legally constituted shall have power to legislate con- 
cerning public instruction, communication b,\ land, river, or sea. concerning local 
health, the municipal budgets, and to appoint and remove its employees at will. 



CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 81 

Art. 53. At the head of each province there shall be a deputation, elected in the 
manner provided by the colonial statutes and composed of a number of members in 
proportion to its population. 

Art. 54. The provincial deputations shall be autonomous in everything relating to 
the creation and dotation of establishments of public instruction and charitable 
institutions, provincial means of communication by land, river, or sea, the prepara- 
tion of their budgets, and the appointment and removal of their employees. 

Art. 55. Both the municipal boards and provinces may freely provide for tho 
receipts necessary to meet the expenditures of their budgets without any limitation 
other than that of making them harmonize with the general system of taxation of 
the island. 

The means derived from the provincial budget shall be independent of those 
derived from the municipal budget. 

Art. 56. The councilmen elected by the municipal districts shall be alcaldes and 
acting alcaldes. 

Art. 57. The alcaldes shall perform the active duties of the municipal administra- 
tion without any limitation whatever, as executors of the enactments of the munic- 
ipal governments and as their representatives. 

Art. 58. Both the councilmen and the provincial deputies shall be civilly respon- 
sible for any injuries that may be caused by their acts. 

They may be held thus responsible before the ordinary courts. 

Art. 59. The provisional deputations shall freely choose their presidents. 

Art. 60. Elections for councilmen and provincial deputies shall be held in such a 
manner that the minorities may be legitimately represented therein. 

Art. 61. The provincial and municipal law now in force in Cuba shall continue in 
force so far as it is not at variance with the provisions of this decree, until the colo- 
nial parliament shall decide concerning these matters. 

Art. 62. No colonial statute shall deprive the municipal boards or the deputations 
of the powers recognized in the foregoing articles as belonging to them. 

Title IX. — Of guarantees for the enforcement of the colonial constitution. 

Art. 63. Any citizen may apply to the courts when he thinks that his rights have 
been violated or his interests injured by the enactmeuts of a municipal board or of a 
provincial deputation. 

The Government attorney, if he shall be requested to do so by the agents of the 
colonial executive power, shall likewise prosecute before the courts any infractions 
of law or abuses of power that may have been committed by the municipal govern- 
ments and the deputations. 

Art. 64. In the cases referred to in the foregoing article the following courts shall 
be competent : 

For complaints against the municipal boards, the superior court of the territory. 

For complaints against the provincial deputations, the superior court of Havana. 

These courts, when they have to decide cases of abuses of power by the aforesaid 
bodies, shall decide in full court. Appeal may be taken from the decisions of the 
territorial courts to the superior court of Havana, and from the decisions of this 
latter court to the supreme court of the Kingdom. 

Art. 65. The privileges granted in article 62 to any citizen may be exercised col- 
lectively by means of a public action, an attorney or representative being appointed 
for that purpose. 

Art. 66. Without prejudice to the powers granted to him in Title V, the Governor- 
General, when he shall think proper, may have recourse, in his capacity as head of 
the colonial executive power, to the superior court of Havana, to the end that that 
court may decide conflicts of jurisdiction between the colonial executive power and 
tho legislative chambers. 

Art. 67. If any question of jurisdiction shall arise between the insular parliament 
and the Governor-General in his capacity as representative of the Central Govern- 
ment, which, on petition of the former, shall not be submitted to the council of 
ministers of the Kingdom, each of the two parties may submit it for decision to the 
supreme court of the Kingdom, which shall decide in full court and without appeal. 

Art. 68. Decisions having reference to the cases provided for in the foregoing 
articles shall be published in the collection of colonial statutes, and shall form part 
of the laws of the island. 

Art. 69. Any municipal enactment having for its object the contraction of munic- 
ipal loans or debts, shall have no executive force unless it shall be approved by a 
majority of the residents, when a demand to this effect shall have been made by one- 
third of the members of the municipal board. 

A special statute shall determine the amount of the loan, or of the debt which 
according to the number of residents of the municipal district shall be necessary, iu 
order that the case may be referred to the vote of the residents. 
H. Doc. 406 6 



82 CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 

Aiii. 70. All provisions of a legal character, emanating from the colonial parlia- 
ment or the courts, shall be compiled under the name of colonial statutes in a leg- 
islative collection, the preparation and publication of which shall be intrusted to 
the ( ioveruor-Geuoral as head of the colonial executive power. 

ADDITIONAL ARTICLES. 

Article 1. Until colonial statutes shall have been published in due form the laws 
of the Kingdom shall be considered applicable to all matters that are to be acted 
upon by t he i nsular government. 

ART. -. Winn the present constitution for the islands of Cuba and Puerto Rico shall 
have been approved by the Co.tes of the Kingdom, it shall not be modilied other- 
wise than by a law and at the request of the insular parliament. 

Akt. 3. The provisions of the preseut decree shall be enforced in their entirety in 
the Island of Puerto Rico; but in order to adapt them to the population and the 
nomenclature of that island they shall be published iu a special decree for Puerto 
Rico. 

Art. 4. Contracts relative to public services common both to the Antilles and the 
Peninsula that are in course of execution shall continue in their present form until 
their termination, and shall be governed in all respects by the conditions of the eon- 
tract. With regard to contracts that have not yet begun to be executed, but have 
been already agreed upon, the Governor-General shall consult the central Govern- 
ment or the colonial chambers, if necessary, and the definitive form in which they 
shall l>e concluded shall be determined by common consent between the two govern- 
ments. 

TRANSIENT ARTICLES. 

ARTICLE 1. In order to accomplish with the greatest rapidity possible, and with 
the least interruption of the services, the transition from the present system to that 
which is created by this decree, the Governor-General, when he shall think that the 
proper time has arrived, shall, after consulting the central Government, appoint 
the Government secretaries to whom reference is made iu article 45, and with them 
shall conduct the interior government of the Island of Cuba until the insular cham- 
bers shall have been constituted. 

The secretaries appointed shall cease to hold their offices when the Governor- 
General shall take his oath of office before the insular chambers, when they shall 
immediately be replaced by the Governor with persons who, in his opinion, most 
fully represent the majorities of the chamber of representatives and of the council 
of administration. 

Art. 2. The manner of meeting the expenditures occasioned by the debt which 
now burdens the Spanish and the Cuban treasury, and that which shall have been 
contracted until the time of the termination of the war, shall form the subject of a 
law wherein shall be determined the part payable by each of the two treasuries 
and the special means of paying the interest thereon, and of the amortization 
thereof, and, if necessary, of paying the principal. 

Until the Cortes of the Kingdom shall decide this point, there shall be no change 
in the conditions on which the aforesaid debts have been contracted, or in the pay- 
ment of the interest and amortization, or in the guarantees of said debts, or in the 
manner in which the payments are now made. 

When the apportionment shall have been made by the Cortes, it shall be for each 
one of the treasuries to make payment of the part assigned to it. 

Engagements contracted with creditors under a pledge of the good faith of the 
Spanish nation, shall in all cases be scrupulously respected. 
. Done at the 1'alace, this 2.">th day of November, 1897. 

Maria Christina. 

PRAXEDE8 Mateo Sagasta, 

President of the Council of Milliliters. 



COPY OF COIUIESPONDENCE IN HE MAINE DISASTER. 



[Telegrams.] 

General Lee to Mr. Day. 



Havana, January 12, 1898. 
Mobs, led by Spanish officers, attacked to-day the offices of the four 
newspapers here advocating autonomy. Bioting at this hour, 1 p. m., 
continues. 

HAVANA, January 12, 1898. 

Much excitement, which may develop into serious disturbances. 
The trouble commenced by those who oppose autonomy, and so far is 
directed against those who advocate it. No rioting at present, but 
rumors of it are abundant. Palace heavily guarded. Consulate also 
protected by armed men. 

Havana, January 13, 1898. 

After a day and night of excitement, all business suspended, and 
rioting, everything quiet at this hour. City heavily guarded. Soldiers 
protect public squares and threatened points. Mobs shouted yester- 
day : "Death to Blanco and death to autonomy," while " Viva Weyler" 
was frequently heard. Contest between Spanish factions. Attention 
has not yet been directed to other issues. Heard once yesterday of a 
few rioters shouting a proposal to march to our consulate. Presence 
of ships may be necessary later, but not now. 



[Telegram.] 

General Lee to 31r. Day. 

Havana, January 13, 1898. 
Three newspaper offices, not four, as previously cabled, were attacked 
yesterday by Spanish officers and mob. Saw mob assault two; saw 
soldiers sent to protect them fraternizing with mob; two attacks were 
attempted to-day. I am told that troops massed inside of palace to 
protect Governor- General shout: "Death to autonomy! Death to 
Blanco ! " Uncertainty exists whether Blanco can control the situation. 
If demonstrated he can not maintain order, preserve life, and keep the 
peace, or if Americans and their interests are in danger, ships must be 
sent, and to that end should be prepared to move promptly. Excitement 
and uncertainty predominates everywhere. 

83 



84 CUBAN COUKESPONDENCE. 

[Telegrams.] 

Qt ii< ral Lee to Mr. Day. 



Noon. All quiet. 
Quiet prevails. 



HAVANA. January 1 i. /.\'V.s'. 
Havana, January 15, 1898. 



[Telegram 

Mr. Day to Mr. Lee. 

Washington, January 22, 1898. 
Wire Dumber and character naval vessels other countries now in 
port of Havana. 



Mr. Lee to Mr. Day. 

Havana, January 22, 1898. 
None. Two German naval vessels are expected this month. 



! Telegrams.] 

Mr. Day to Mr. Lee. 

Washington, January 24, 1898. 
It is the purpose of this Government to resume friendly naval visits 
at Cuban ports. In that view the Maine will call at the port of Havana 
in a day or two. Please arrange for a friendly interchange of calls 
with authorities. 



Air. Lee l<> Mr. Day. 

Havana, January 24, 1898. 
Advise visit be postponed six or seven days, to give last excitement 
more time to disappear. Will see authorities and let you know result. 
Governor-General away for two weeks. I should know day and hour 

visit. 



Mr. Pay (<> Mr. Lee. 

Washington, 'January 21, 1898. 
Maine lias been ordered. Will probably arrive at Havana some time 
to-morrow. Can not tell hour; possibly early. Cooperate with authori- 
ties for her friendly visit. Keep us advised by frequent telegrams. 



CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 85 

[Telegrams.] 

Mr. Lee to Mr. Bay. 

Havana, January 25, 1S98. 
At an interview authorities profess to think United States has ulterior 
purpose in sending ship. Say it will obstruct autonomy, produce 
excitement, and most probably a demonstration. Ask that it is not 
done until they can get instructions from Madrid, and say that it* for 
friendly motives, as claimed, delay unimportant. 



[Telegrams.] 

Mr. Lee to Mr. Bay. 

Havana, January 25, 1898. 
Ship quietly arrived 11 a. m. to-day. No demonstration so far. 



Mr. Lee to Mr. Bay. 

Havana, January 25, 1898. 
Commanders of Spanish naval ships and of German training ship 
have called upon commander of Maine and their visits will be returned 
afternoon. Salutes exchanged. All quiet. 



Mr. Lee to Mr. Bay. 

HAVANA, January 25, 1898. 

Have just received visit of commander of Maine and will return it 
to-morrow. He had already returned official visits of Spanish and other 
naval officers. No disorders of any sort. 



Mr. Lee to Mr. Bay. 

Havana, January 25, 1898. 
Another German naval vessel arrived this morning. Peace and quiet 
reign. 



[Telegrams.] 

General Lee to Mr. Bay. 

Havana, January 20, 1898. 
Have just had pleasant visit on Maine. 



86 CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 

Gem ral Lee to Mr. Pay. 

Havana, January 27, 1898. 
Just visited General Parrado, Acting Governor-General, with Sigsbee 
ami two of his officers. We were most cordially received, and Parrado 
returns visit by going aboard Maine to-morrow. 



General Lee to Mr. Pay. 

1 1 avana, January 28, 1898. 
Acting Governor-General Parrado and staff went with me this morn- 
ing to return visit of Sigsbee. Inspected the Maine, were entertained 
and given the appropriate salute. Expressed pleasure at their reception 
and admiration for the splendid battle ship. 



[Telegram.] 

Mr. Day to General Lee. 

Washington, February 4, 1898. 
Secretary of the Navy thinks not prudent for a vessel to remain long 
in Havana; sanitary reasons. Should some vessel be kept there all the 
time? If another sent, what have you to suggest as to kind of ship? 
Telegraph your views. 



I Telegram.] 

General Lee to Mr. Pay. 

Havana, February 4, 189S. 
T)o not think slightest sanitary danger to officers or crew until April 
or even May. Ship or ships should be kept here all the time now. We 
should not relinquish position of peaceful control of situation or con- 
ditions would be worse than if vessel had never been sent. Americans 
would depart with their families in haste if no vessel in harbor on 
account of distrust of preservation of order by authorities. If another 
riot occurs, will be against Governor-General and autonomy, but might 
include anti-American demonstration also. First-class battle ship 
should replace present one if relieved, as object lesson and to counter- 
act Spanish opinion of our Navy, and should have torpedo boat with it 
to preserve communication with Admiral. 



L Telegrams.] 

Mr. l.ee to Mr. Pay. 

Havana, February 5, 1898. 
Montgomery arrived Matanzas 10.30 a. m. yesterday. 



CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 87 

General Lee to Mr. Day. 

Havana, February 7, 1898. 
Wrote secretary-general, asking who represented Government ab- 
sence Blanco. Replied General Parrado. Captain Sigsbee and two 
officers accompanied me and promptly made call. Next day went with 
Parrado and staff on Maine return call. The proper salute fired for him, 
and they were entertained. Understood only necessary to call head of 
Government, just as in Washington on President and not on Cabinet 
or mayor of city. What omissions are charged? No one said anything 
to me on subject. There was certaiidy no intention to omit any cus- 
tomary courtesy. 



f Telegram.] 

General Lee to Mr. Day. 

Havana, February 11, 1898. 
Sigsbee attended General Blanco's reception with me last night. 
This morning paid him and others of Government officials visit. 



[Telegram.] 

General Ljce to Mr. Bay. 

HAVANA, February 10, 1898.— 12.30 p. m. 
Maine blown up and destroyed to-night at 9.40 p. m. Explosion 
occurred well forward uuder quarters of crew; consequence many were 
lost. It is believed all officers saved, but Jenkins and Meriitt not yet 
accounted for. Cause of explosion yet to be investigated. Captain- 
General and Spanish army and navy officers have rendered every 
assistance. Sigsbee and most of his officers on Ward steamer City of 
Washington. Others on Spanish man-of-war and in city. Am with 
Sigsbee now, who has telegraphed Navy Department. 



[Telegram.] 

General Lee to Mr. Day. 

Havana, February 17, 1898. 
All quiet. Great sorrow expressed by authorities. Sigsbee has tele- 
graphed details to Navy Department. Not prepared yet to report cause 
of explosion. 



Mr. Lee to Mr. Day. 

Havana, February 17. 
Profound sorrow expressed by Government and municipal authori- 
ties, consuls of foreign nations, organized bodies of all sorts, and citizens 
generally. Flags are at half-mast on Governor-General's palace, on 



88 CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 

shipping in harbor, and in city. Business suspended. Theaters closed. 
1 ><ad will aumber about 260. < Miners' quarters being in rear and sea- 
men's forward, where explosion took place, accounts for greater pro- 
portionate loss Bailors. Funeral to-morrow, 3 p.m. Officers Merritt 
and Jenkins still missing. Suppose United States naval court inquiry 
will he held to ascertain cause explosion. Hope our people will repress 
excitement and calmly await decision. 

Lee. 



Mr. Lee to Mr. Day. 

Havana, February 17. 
Merritt in junior officers' mess room. Jenkins in wardroom mess 
room at time explosion ; latter left before an officer who was saved; 
must have gone wrong way. Lights out immediately; water rushing 
in. Merritt got to hatch with Naval Cadet Boyd. Ladder gone. Boyd 
climbed through and tried to pull Merritt up, but latter let go his hand, 
fell back, and was drowned. Bodies of these officers not found yet; 
probably in wreck. Sailors' funeral to-day at 3: will be immense 
procession. 

Lee. 



Mr. Lee to Mr. Day. 

HAVANA, February 18. 
Great popular demonstration at funeral yesterday; military, naval, 
firemen, and civil organizations generally represented. The bishop, 
General Parrado, second in command to Governor-General ; autonomis- 
tic cabinet, civil governor, mayor, and other principal persons walked 
in procession part of route in accordance with custom to testify sympathy. 
Forty bodies buried. Many coining to surface water since, but now dif- 
ficult to recognize, will be buried with religious services as collected. 

Lee. 



Mr. Lee to Mr. Day. 

HAVANA, February 18. 
Sigsbee begins to-morrow with divers sent to him from United States 
to recover all bodies still left in wreck Maine, as well as personal effects 
officers and men, and whatever else can be obtained that way. After 
that is completed the Spanish Government would like to unite with 
ours in having bottom of ship and harbor in vicinity jointly examined. 

Lee. 



[Telegrams.] 

General Lee to Mr. Day. 

Havana, February 25, 1898. 
Seventy-three bodies Maine seamen in coffins awaiting burial in addi- 
tion to forty buried yesterday. 



CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 89 

General Lee to Mr. Day. 

Havana February 21, 1898. 
Great need divers get effects and bodies from wreck; two now 
employed ; twelve or fifteen could be used. One hundred and forty- 
three bodies buried. Very few found to-day. Over one hundred sup- 
posed to be confined in ship. Sailors now in two Spanish hospitals 
number eleven. Visited them yesterday; all will recover, except two; 
are comfortable and well cared for. 



Mr. Lee to Mr. Day. 

No. 777.] United States Consulate-General, 

Havana, February 18, 1898. 
Sir : I have the honor to transmit herewith a translation of a com- 
munication from the Governor and Captain General, expressing sorrow 
for the loss of the Maine. 

I am, sir, etc., Fitzhugh Lee, 

Consul- General. 



[Inclosure in Xo. 777.] 

General Government of the Island of Cuba, 

Havana, February 16, 1898. 
Mr. Consul: It becomes my painful duty to express to you my profound sorrow 
for the misfortune which occurred yesterday on hoard the American ship Maine. I 
associate myself with all my heart to the grief of the nation and of the families 
who have lost some of their members; and upon so doiug I do not only express my 
personal sentiments, but I speak in the name of all the inhabitants of Havana — 
witnesses of the catastrophe which has afflicted so many homes. 
God guard you many years. 

Ramon Blanco. 
The Consul-General of the United States. 



[Telegram.] 

Mr. Day to General Lee. 

Washington, February 19. 
The Government of the United States has already begun an investi- 
gation as to the causes of the disaster to the Maine through officers of 
the ]STavy especially appointed for that purpose, which will proceed 
independently. This Government will afford every facility it can to 
the Spanish authorities in whatever investigation they may see fit to 
make upon their part. 

Day. 



[Telegram.] 

General Lee to Mr. Day. 

Havana, February 22, 1898. . 
Copper cylinders' ammunition found intact in 10-inch forward maga- 
zine, starboard side, this morning. Seems to show that magazine now 
exploded. Evidence beginning to prove explosion on port side by 
torpedo. 



90 CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 

[ Telegrams.] 

General Lee to Mr. Day. 

Havana, February 25, 1898. 
Keyes was buried on 17th. Spanish law forbids exhumation bodies 
before expiration live years. 



General Lee to Mr. Day. 

HAVANA, February 26, 1898. 
Most of the bodies buried. Some over week ago. Many unrecog- 
nizable. Against Spanish law to exhume until expiration of five 
years. Neither steamers nor authorities permit shipment bodies unless 
at once embalmed and in metallic cases. Cost between $G00 and $800 
each. 



[Telegram.] 

General Lee t-o Mr. Day. 

Havana, February 28, 1898. 
Arrangements made both Governments conduct independently inves- 
tigation Maine disaster. 



Mr. Lee to Mr. Day. 

ISTo. 782.] United States Consulate-General, 

Havana, February 28, 189S. 
Sir: With reference to my telegram of this morning, which I now 
confirm, reading: "Arrangements made, both Governments conduct 
independently investigation Maine disaster," I now have the honor to 
transmit copies of the correspondence with this Government on the sub- 
ject. 

I am, sir, etc., 

FiTznuGii Lee, 

Consul- General. 



[Inclosuro 1 in Xo. 782.] 

General Government of the Island of Cuba, 

Officio ok the SECRETARY, 

Havana, February ?8 } IS9S. 
In order to terminate the cxpediente (proceedings) of investigation initiated by 
the Spanish Government regarding the causes which produced the catastrophe of 
tlie Maine, it is only lacking to proceed to an examination of the exterior and 
interior part of the vessel where the explosion occurred, for which it is deemed 
indispensable for the better accomplishment of this object that onr divers, upon per- 
forming the examination, bo accompanied by those of the American Government; 
and inasmuch as no conclusive answer has been received from you to proceed to 
Name, I beg yon will please direct or request whoever it may concern to the effect 
that said divers join the Spanish divers for the purpose of making the report of the 
examination. I also beg to ask you to name a period of time as soon as possible. 
God guard you many years. 
Havana, February LT>," 1N!)X. Ramon Rlanco. 

To the Consul-General of the United states. 



CUBAN CORRESPONDENCE. 91 

[Inclosure No. 2, with dispatch No. 782, Havana, February 28, 1898.] 

United States Consulate-General, 

Havana, February 26, 1898, 
To His Excellency the Governor-General of the Island of Cuba. 

Excellency : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication 
of the 25th instant. In reply I beg to inclose a copy of my telegram to the hon- 
orable Assistant Secretary of State at Washington in reference to tbe Bubject, and 
also the Department's reply. 

It would be observed that the United States Government thinks that the examina- 
tions by the two Governments should proceed independently, but that every facility 
should be given to make whatever investigation your Government may see fit. I 
will confer with Captain Sigsbee on the subject and suggest that he visit the 
admiral of the naval statiou, and I have no doubt that these two officers can agree 
upon a plan which would be satisfactory for all concerned. 

I am quite sure that neither Government has any other object except to ascertain 
all tho facts connected with the explosion of the Maine, and that the great desire of 
both Governments is to proceed harmoniously with the work. 

I am, etc., Fitzhugh Lee, 

Conml-General. 



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